HC Deb 18 May 1908 vol 188 cc1657-8
MR. LONSDALE (Armagh, Mid.)

I beg to ask the Prime Minister whether lie expects to be in a position to announce before Whitsuntide the plan of the Government for removing the financial difficulties which hinder the operation of the Irish Land Act of 1903.

THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER (Mr. LLOYD-GEORGE,) Carnarvon Boroughs

I fear that at present I cannot make any statement with regard to the date at which the decision of the Government can be announced.

MR. LONSDALE

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Prime Minister told a deputation recently "I am quite certain that by the time Parliament meets we shall be in a position to tell the House of Commons what our plans are for removing the financial block in the working of the Act." What has been the cause of the delay?

THE PRIME MINISTER AND FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY (Mr. ASQUITH,) Fifeshire, E.

I will answer that. Almost the moment after Parliament met we had the Report of a Departmental Committee on the subject, and our anxiety has been to get the views thereon of the various Irish interests concerned. Hence the delay.