HC Deb 16 June 1902 vol 109 cc711-2
MR. FLYNN (Cork Co., N.)

I beg to ask Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that a sum of over £75,000 has been received by the Treasury during the period of the past five years for the redemption and purchase of quit and Crown rents in Ireland; whether he can say in what manner this sum has been invested; and what portion, if any, has been invested in Irish funds or applied to Irish purposes.

THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER (Sir M. HICKS BEACH,) Bristol, W.

As stated in the Return recently granted, the sum referred to, which has been received, not by the Treasury, but by the Commissioners of Woods, has been merged in the General Capital of the Land Revenues of the Crown under the management of those Commissioners and invested in Great Britain. No portion has been hitherto invested in Irish funds, but the Commissioners expect to be able to make some investments in Ireland in the future.

MR. FLYNN

As this money is raised in Ireland, is it not right that it should be invested there?

SIR M. HICKS BEACH

I have said that the Commissioners hope to make some investments in Ireland.

CAPTAIN DONELAN (Cork Co., E.)

Has any portion of this fund been used for the purpose of subsidising civil action in Ireland against members of the United Irish League?

SIR M. HICKS BEACH

The fund is not under the control of the Irish Executive at all. It is administered by the Commissioners of Woods and Forests.

CAPTAIN DONELAN

Then what fund has been used for that purpose?

SIR M. HICKS BEACH

I know nothing about that.