§ Mr. GODFREY LOCKER - LAMPSONasked the Prime Minister whether the pledge of the First Lord of the Admiralty at Belfast that under Home Rule old age pensions would continue to be paid to Irish pensioners was authorised by the Cabinet; and, if so, whether the Government intend to meet any default by a Home Rule Government in respect of the payment of such pensions out of the Irish Customs receipts?
§ The PRIME MINISTER (Mr. Asquith)The statement of the First Lord represents the intention of the Government in regard to the point referred to. It is not possible for me at this stage to make any statement in reference to the latter part of the question.
§ Mr. G. LOCKER-LAMPSONasked the Prime Minister whether he will invite the views of the various local authorities in Ireland before the question of the reservation or delegation of the Irish Customs is finally decided by the Government?
§ The PRIME MINISTERNo, Sir.