HC Deb 08 May 1912 vol 38 cc390-1
Major MORRISON-BELL

asked, in view of the fact that it is proposed, under Clause 26 of the Government of Ireland Bill, to increase in the Division Lobbies of this House the voting strength of Ireland on the lines of representation in proportion to population, whether the Prime Minister is prepared, for the purposes of any future financial revision, while the financial arrangements under this Bill are being in the first place laid down, to adopt the same policy towards England, namely, of equalising on a population basis her voting strength as compared to Ireland, thus affording England an equal voice in the framing of any decisions as to finance that may be arrived at?

The CHIEF SECRETARY for IRELAND (Mr. Birrell)

No, Sir, the Prime Minister is not prepared to adopt this suggestion.

Mr. CASSEL

asked whether it would be competent to the Irish Parliament, under the Government of Ireland Bill, to discontinue for Ireland all or any of the duties imposed by the Finance (1909–10) Act, 1910, on the rest of the United Kingdom by the votes of Irish Members?

The POSTMASTER-GENERAL (Mr. Herbert Samuel)

I must refer the hon. Member to Clause 15 of the Bill.

Mr. CASSEL

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer my question?

Mr. HERBERT SAMUEL

These are really Debating matters, and I think the hon. Member should refer to the Bill.