HC Deb 03 April 1913 vol 51 cc546-7
96. Mr. WILLIAM O'BRIEN

asked on what principle the Chancellor of the Exchequer proceeded, in the appointment of the Treasury Committee on Medical Benefit in Ireland, in excluding from the Committee all the seventy Nationalist representatives of the provinces of Munster, Leinster, and Connaught, while admitting the Nationalist representatives from Ulster, who are the presidents of the Board of Erin Order of Hibernians and Irish National Foresters, respectively, and appointing also on the Committee three of the Irish Insurance Commissioners, who have a direct financial interest in the extension of the medical benefit; and whether there is any intention of giving effect by legislation this Session to any report proceeding from such a Committee?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

In appointing the Committee the Government proceeded according to precedent by consulting the representatives of the majority of the Irish people. I would also point out that only two of the Irish Insurance Commissioners are members of the Committee. I am unable to make any statement with reference to the last part of the hon. Member's question.

Mr. W. O'BRIEN

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell us on what Vote we can discuss his not very candid reply?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

I do not know what the hon. Member means by "not very candid reply." I have given a straightforward answer, with the actual facts, whether it be satisfactory or unsatisfactory. I cannot say offhand precisely on which Vote the discussion can be raised, but I should think the Insurance Vote.

Mr. T. M. HEALY

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this Committee is now engaged in issuing an ad interim report, and has he any knowledge of that report, or why the Committee is proceeding to do that until we have the report of all the evidence?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

I have absolutely no control over their report. I received no ad interim report, and have not discussed it with them at all.

Mr. T. M. HEALY

Can we have an undertaking that the Government will not proceed to act upon an ad interim report until we have got a full and adequate report and the entire evidence, and have had an opportunity of discussing it?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

I think the hon. Member had better give notice of that. I have received no report.

Mr. T. M. HEALY

I thought your hands this Session were full already without attempting any more.