HC Deb 13 June 1912 vol 39 cc1029-30
Sir JOHN LONSDALE

asked whether the sanatorium Grant under the National Insurance Act will be allocated among the counties in Ireland on a basis of population; and, if not, upon what basis will the allocation be made; and whether, if Grants under the Act are applied for by voluntary associations to be used for the establishment of sanatoria or other purposes for any of the counties in Ireland, the councils of those counties will be consulted by the Local Government Board before such Grants are recommended to the Treasury?

Mr. BIRRELL

While any exceptional incidence of tuberculosis and economic differences might be taken into account as modifying factors, population will be the primary basis of distribution of the Grant by the Local Government Board between the several county areas in Ireland. As regards the second part of the question I would refer the hon. Member to the circular issued by the Local Government Board to secretaries of county councils and town clerks on the 20th of May, in which it is stated that the Local Government Board will notify to each county council any applications for Grants by voluntary associations for the service of that county.

Sir J. LONSDALE

Will the right hon. Gentleman say if it is within his knowledge that any application has been received on behalf of any voluntary association in Ireland?

Mr. BIRRELL

Yes, Sir, an application has been received from the National Women's Health Association for a Government Grant from the sums at the disposal of the Insurance Commissioners for this particular subject. That Grant has been most favourably acceded to by the Treasury.

Sir J. LONSDALE

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman, if before definitely acceding to that Grant for a voluntary association, he will withhold his assent, because assent would result in duplication and would interfere with a system of uniformity throughout the whole of Ireland?

Mr. BIRRELL

No, Sir; assent has been already given, not indeed to any particular amount, but to a sum to be placed at the disposal of this voluntary association which, of course, can only be expended through the Local Government Board with the co-operation of the county councils.

Sir J. LONSDALE

Was the right hon. Gentleman consulted, or was any Irish Department consulted before the application was made to the Treasury?

Mr. BIRRELL

Yes, certainly.

Mr. MOORE

Will the Treasury take into consideration the fact that this so-called philanthropic association is run chiefly on political lines by the wife of the Lord Lieutenant?

Mr. BIRRELL

No, Sir, I resent very much that statement.