§ 54. Mr. C. BATHURSTasked the Prime Minister whether, under the Government of Ireland Bill, there will be any and, if any, what means of ensuring that Grants which have been paid out of the Development Fund for the purposes in Ireland of the Development and Road Improvement Funds Act are applied in such manner only as has been prescribed by the Development Commissioners; and whether, and through what Minister, this House will retain control over the expenditure of moneys so granted?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI see nothing in the Government of Ireland Bill to affect the present statutory position under Section 2 of the Development and Road Improvement Funds Act, 1909, in regard to Parliamentary control over advances from the Development Fund. It may necessitate some change in the practice under the Treasury Minute now in force as regards advances to Government Departments as distinguished from advances through Government Departments. Advances of the latter kind—such as advances to local authorities and bodies other than Government Departments—are not now made through Votes of Parliament.
§ Mr. C. BATHURSTDo I understand the practice will still continue, that the Secretary to the Treasury will reply to questions relating to the Development Grant in Ireland?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI should be sorry to say what particular Minister, but some Member of the Imperial Government.