HC Deb 13 April 1910 vol 16 cc1240-1
Mr. STEEL-MAITLAND

asked the Prime Minister when he proposes to put the office of Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture and Technical Instruction in Ireland on a constitutional basis, and, in accordance with the pledge of the Government, to appoint to that office some Member of the Government, so that there may be in this House a Minister responsible for the Department of Agriculture in Ireland?

The PRIME MINISTER

I must refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Chief Secretary to a similar question on 10th March. I have nothing to add to his statement.

Mr. MOORE

Is there one rule of administration for a Unionist Vice-President who was dismissed because he had no seat, and another rule for a Radical Vice-President who is allowed to continue although he was thrown out from his seat?

Mr. MacVEAGH

Is it not the fact that when the present Government, in 1907, endeavoured to put this office on a constitutional basis, it was denounced by the whole Unionist party?