§ Mr. HUNTasked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the fact that two million pounds are now paid annually from the taxes paid by the inhabitants of Great Britain to make up the sum paid annually towards old age pensions in Ireland; and whether it is proposed that this sum, or any part of it, should continue to be paid by Great Britain when Home Rule is granted to Ireland?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI cannot make any statement at present as to proposals which the Government may hereafter make.
§ Mr. LONSDALEasked the Prime Minister whether the Government have instituted an actuarial investigation into the financial aspects of the Home Rule problem; if so, whether he will state the names of the actuaries engaged; whether, and when, their Report will be made public; and upon which Vote the cost of this service will be borne?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI cannot add anything to the answer given yesterday by my right hon. Friend the Chief Secretary to a question by the Noble Lord the Member for Maidstone, namely, that the inquiry referred to is not of a public character, and I am not, therefore, in a position to give the particulars or the information desired in the question.
Captain CRAIGCan the right hon. Gentleman say why the Government are keeping all this matter secret so long?
§ The PRIME MINISTERIts results will be known in due course.
§ Mr. LONSDALEOn which Vote will the cost of this inquiry fall?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI am not aware that it will cost anything.
§ Mr. MOOREDoes the right hon. Gentleman suggest that information on this vital subject was before the electors at the last election?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI made no suggestion.