HC Deb 03 April 1913 vol 51 c535
18. Mr. JOYCE

asked the right hon. Gentleman whether the deficit in the capitation Grant to the Limerick District Asylum for the year ending 31st March, 1912, was £683 13s. 6d.; and whether he intends to take any action to restore the Grant to the amount originally guaranteed by the Treasury towards the cost of maintenance of lunatics in asylums in Ireland?

Mr. BIRRELL

The deficit is as mentioned in the question. As already stated, the whole question of local taxation is under consideration of the Local Taxation Committee, and it is not possible to make any statement on the subject at present.

Mr. JOYCE

When this revision is completed, will the money that has been kept back from these district asylums he recouped to the owners of these asylums?

Mr. BIRRELL

I do not think the hon. Member can expect me to answer that. I am not in a position to do so.

Mr. JOYCE

Will the Chief Secretary at any time in the future be in a position to answer that question?

Mr. BIRRELL

Oh, yes, Sir, most undoubtedly.

Mr. JOYCE

I will put another question.

Mr. BIRRELL

I cannot help that.

Mr. O'SHAUGHNESSY

How soon does the right hon. Gentleman expect that a definite statement on this subject will be made?

Mr. BIRRELL

When the Report of the Taxation Committee comes out.

Mr. JOYCE

You are very slow.