HC Deb 21 May 1906 vol 157 c942
MR. O'SHAUGHNESSY

I beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury if he has yet appointed the Royal Commission to inquire into the defence of the coast from sea erosion; if so, who are the members of the Commission; and whether they will take evidence in the districts of Ireland bordering on the sea.

SIR H. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN

I am sorry that I cannot as yet give the hon. Member the information for which he asks in the first part of his Question. With regard to the hearing of evidence affecting Ireland, I have no doubt that the Commission will take all necessary steps to enable them to submit an adequate report on the matters referred to them.

MR. O'SHAUGHNESSY

Will an Irishman be appointed on the Commission?

SIR H. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN

I am not sure of that.

MR. O'SHAUGHNESSY

Why not?

SIR H. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN

If the hon. Member means why I am not sure, the Answer is because I do not know. the selection of members does not primarily rest with me, and so I have no reason to know at this stage. But if the hon. Member means to ask why an Irish member should not be appointed, the Answer is that I did not say that ail Irish member would not be appointed.