§ Mr. JOHN REDMONDI beg to ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer a question of which I have given him private notice, namely: Whether, in view of the additional Grant which it is proposed to make in respect of medical benefit under the Insurance Act, he will consider the question of devoting a sum of money towards making good the cost of certificates for sickness and invalidity benefits in Ireland, and whether he is still of the view that the extension of medical benefit to Ireland is a matter to be decided by the wishes of the Irish people themselves?
§ The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER (Mr. Lloyd George)This suggestion was put before me some time ago lay my hon. and learned Friend. I am taking the opinion of the Irish Insurance Commissioners upon it, and hope soon to be able to make an announcement. As regards the latter part of the question, I have always made it clear that the Government consider that the question of extending medical benefit to Ireland is a matter entirely to be determined by the Irish people themselves.
§ Mr. JOYNSON-HICKSMay I ask if this additional sum is voted for medical certificates, whether in the event of Home Rule being passed it would be an increased charge on the Exchequer of Great Britain?
§ Mr. LLOYD GEORGEI should not like to answer that without notice.
§ Mr. JOYNSON-HICKSI give notice I will ask it.