HC Deb 20 January 1902 vol 101 cc312-3
MR. WILLIAM REDMOND

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade, if he will add an Irish Member to the Committee on the Merchant Service, in view of the fact that an English Member and a Scottish Member are upon that Committee.

THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF TRADE (Mr. GERALD BALFOUR,) Leeds, Central

No, Sir; the nationality of the hon. Members had nothing to do with their selection to serve on the Committee. The Committee has already held one sitting and I do not propose to alter its constitution.

MR WILLIAM REDMOND

Will the right hon. Gentleman reconsider his decision in view of the fact that this Committee was originally demanded by Irish Members?

MR. GERALD BALFOUR

I cannot reconsider it.

MR. WILLIAM REDMOND

And you call that fair play to Ireland!