HC Deb 10 July 1899 vol 74 cc423-4

Considered in Committee.

(In the Committee.)

Motion moved and Question proposed— That it is expedient to authorise the payment out of moneys to be provided by Parliament of a salary not exceeding £1,200, together with a residential allowance not exceeding £150, to the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture and Technical Instruction for Ireland, and of the salaries and remuneration to the secretary, assistant-secretaries, inspectors, officers, and servants of the Department, and of all expenses incurred by the Department, in pursuance of any Act of the present session for establishing a Department of Agriculture and other Industries and Technical Instruction in Ireland."—(Mr. Gerald Balfour.)

MR. DILLON (Mayo, E.)

As there is great difference of opinion in reference to the method by which the £78,000 in this Bill is to be handed over to the new Department, I should like to know whether the Resolution as worded will bar us from discussing in Committee whether that £78,000 should be derived from direct grant or by the roundabout way of taking over the spirit money.

THE CHIEF SECRETARY FOR IRELAND (Mr. G. W. BALFOUR,) Leeds, Central

The Resolution does not refer to the £78,000 at all, it only applies to the salaries. There is no additional charge on the Votes in respect of the £78,000.

MR. DILLON

I understand it will not debar us from discussing that question then. I was afraid that if the Resolution was passed the point might be taken against us on that question. No doubt it would throw no additional charge ultimately on the Exchequer if the grant were made direct, as many of us would prefer, but it might technically be held to throw an additional charge on the Exchequer.

MR. G. W. BALFOUR

I do not know what ruling the Chairman might make on the subject, but the Resolution before the House makes no reference to the £78,000, therefore I think it would not have any effect on the decision of the Chairman.

Resolution to be reported To-morrow.