§ Sir J. LONSDALEasked the Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that, under the provisions of the Housing of the Working Classes (Ireland) Act, 1908, and the Labourers (Ireland) Act, 1911, sums amounting to £116,000 and stock to the value of £130,000 have been withdrawn from the fund of suitors in the Supreme Court of Judicature in Ireland; whether, in consequence of these appropriations, the fund is at present in a practically insolvent condition; and what steps 23 the Government propose to take to place the account in a position to meet its liabilities?
§ The CHIEF SECRETARY for IRELAND (Mr. Birrell)The sum of £116,000 cash and £130,000 new Consols have been withdrawn from the funds of suitors in the Supreme Court of Judicature, Ireland, under these two Acts. The fund is not in an insolvent condition practically, or otherwise. There is no necessity for the Government to take any steps connected with this fund, as the Acts provide the means for meeting out of the Consolidated Fund any deficiency which might be caused by these appropriations.
§ Sir J. LONSDALEIs there any prospect of the immediate repayment of this money?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThere is no question of the liability of the Consolidated Fund to meet any demand made upon the surplus funds. I do not anticipate that that demand will be made.
§ Sir J. LONSDALEIs it not the fact that £75,000 requires to be paid already; where is that money to come from?
§ Mr. BIRRELLAny money required to be repaid will be repaid.