§ SIR F. BANBURY (City of London)To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he can inform the House of the approximate cost of a general election to the proposed Irish Council; and whether such charges will fall upon the ratepayers or upon the proposed Irish Exchequer.
§ (Answered by Mr. Birrell.) It is assumed that £25,000 will cover the cost of the election. Under the Bill the cost of the first election will be provided by Parliament. The charge for subsequent elections will fall upon the Irish Exchequer.