HC Deb 27 November 1912 vol 44 c1258
49. Mr. GODFREY LOCKER-LAMPSON

asked whether it is the intention of the Government to introduce an Amendment to the Government of Ireland Bill to secure that any sums paid on behalf of Irish services in excess of the true revenue from Ireland shall be voted annually by Parliament; and, if not, what opportunities will exist for discussing this payment of more than two millions per annum?

The POSTMASTER-GENERAL (Mr. Herbert Samuel)

The Transferred Sum will be charged on the Consolidated Fund of the United Kingdom, and will not therefore require to be voted annually by Parliament. The cost of the reserved services, which is at present almost entirely defrayed out of moneys voted by Parliament, will continue to be so defrayed, and the same opportunities for discussion will be available as now.

Mr. FRED HALL

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether, in consequence of the difficulty of understanding the Bill, it is the intention of the Government to appoint lecturers to explain it throughout the country?

Mr. SPEAKER

That does not arise out of the answer.