HC Deb 08 May 1912 vol 38 cc392-3
Mr. HUNT

asked whether, under the Government of Ireland Bill, he can say if the Irish Parliament will have power to transfer any annual sum of money from any of the revenues of the Catholic or other churches in Ireland to assist or establish an Irish museum?

Mr. BIRRELL

I would refer the hon. Member to the Prime Minister's reply to a similar question asked by the hon. Member for Denbigh district on 6th instant.

Mr. HUNT

Will the right hon. Gentleman say "Yes" or "No." If he cannot do that, can he say why the British Government is to be allowed to take away the revenue of the Welsh Church for a Welsh museum while the poor Irish Government is not to be allowed to have the same privilege for an Irish museum?

Mr. BIRRELL

The answer of the Prime Minister was that there is "no express prohibition in the Bill of such legislation, nor do I think such prohibition is necessary in view of the powers of veto reserved to the Crown and to the Imperial Parliament."

Mr. HUNT

Are we to understand that this power will be allowed to the Irish Parliament?

Mr. BIRRELL

There is no express prohibition of it, but restriction of it is obtained in the way I have described.