HC Deb 04 March 1898 vol 54 c620
MR. E. F. VESEY KNOX (Londonderry)

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether, having regard to the fact that the Local Government Bill will remove the difficulty of forming a council for purposes of agricultural and industrial co-operation possessing popular confidence, he will endeavour to frame a non-contentious Bill for the constitution of such a council?

MR. GERALD BALFOUR

I am not quite clear what proposal the hon. and learned Member has in mind, but if the Question relates to the establishment of a council in connection with a State Department of Agriculture and Industry, my answer must be I cannot undertake to deal with the subject at present.