HC Deb 05 July 1911 vol 27 cc1127-8
Mr. WILLIAM O'BRIEN

asked the Prime Minister if the Actuarial Committee appointed by the Cabinet to report on the financial relations between Great Britain and Ireland had been taking the evidence of witnesses from Ireland; and, if so, by whom and on what principle the witnesses had been selected for examination, and would the names of the witnesses and reports of their evidence be communicated to the House?

The PRIME MINISTER

I am informed that the evidence of some witnesses from Ireland has already been taken, and it is proposed to take further Irish evidence. So far, the selection of persons to be asked to give evidence has been left to the Committee itself, whose sole object has been the gaining of information from persons most likely to have it in their possession. Anyone who wishes to give evidence can suggest himself to the Secretary. Having regard to the nature of the inquiry, already frequently explained, there seems no reason for publishing the reports of the evidence; but the names of the witnesses, when the list is complete, can be given if asked for.

Mr. WILLIAM O'BRIEN

Is this the Committee which the Chief Secretary declared would have to decide whether Home Rule would be a "tight fit" financially?

The PRIME MINISTER

He said nothing of the kind.

Mr. W. O'BRIEN

Then the newspapers have treated him very badly. Is the Prime Minister aware that the hon. and learned Member for Waterford (Mr. J. Redmond) had publicly declared that he will hold himself free to reject the findings of this Committee, and, under the circumstances, is it reasonable that the financial destinies of the country should be entrusted to a Committee which no section of the Irish representatives acknowledge to be responsible and whose proceedings are being conducted entirely in the dark?

The PRIME MINISTER

There is a great deal of argumentative matter in the question. The hon. Member has completely misconceived the object of the Committee. It is a body formed to procure information for the guidance of the Government, and it has no power to decide-any question at all.