HC Deb 26 May 1908 vol 189 cc1039-40

Considered in Committee.

(In the Committee.)

Motion made, and Question proposed,—"That it is expedent to authorise the advance, out of the Consolidated Fund, of any sum necessary to meet any deficiency in the Fund of the Suitors in the Supreme Court in Ireland in pursuance of any Act of the present Session to provide further facilities for the erection of Houses for the. Working Classes in cities and towns in Ireland.—(Mr. Lloyd-George.)

SIR A. ACLAND-HOOD

said he did not wish to delay this Resolution, but he thought it was hardly fair to bring it forward in the absence of the Chief Secretary or someone responsible for the Irish administration.

MR. LLOYD-GEORGE

said that he himself was responsible for the money part of the Resolution, which only arose on the discussion of the Second Reading of the Bill. There was, he found, an Irish Fund, the Irish Suitors Fund, some of which had been dormant for over fifteen years, and it was proposed that the interest of this money should be utilised for the purpose of building houses for the urban districts of Ireland and for drainage. The right hon. Gentleman who represented the Dublin University and also Gentlemen representing the North of Ireland had all assented to the suggestion and the Chief Secretary of Ireland had also assented, subject to there being any of that fund available. It had now been ascertained that there was some portion of it, though not all, available, and this formal Resolution was now moved to enable the Committee upstairs to proceed with the Bill. There was no charge on the Exchequer.

Resolution to be reported To-morrow.

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