§ MR. CLANCYI wish to ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer a question of which I have not given him private notice, but which, no doubt, he can answer—namely, whether he can state what is the amount due to Ireland under the equivalent grant for the year 1896, and what the Government intend to do with it?
§ THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER (Sir M. E. HICKS BEACH,) Bristol, W.The equivalent grant for the year 1896 will be about £150,000 in round figures. I cannot remember the exact amount. It has not been devoted by Parliament to any purpose yet, and, of course, I cannot say what Parliament would do.
§ MR. CLANCYIs this sum for one year only or for two years?
§ THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUERFor one year only.
§ MR. CLANCYThen there is another year due now?
§ THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUERYes. I do not know whether the hon. Member is aware of the fact, but a separate fund has been instituted, into which this grant has been paid, and this fund bears interest. There will, I think, be two grants, one for this year and half a year's grant for the year before.