§ 51. Mr. WILLIAM O'BRIENasked the Prime Minister whether he has observed that the general council of the Irish county councils have passed a resolution protesting against the extension of the medical benefit to the rural areas of Ireland unless accompanied by a reform of the Irish Poor Law sytsem; and whether, in view of the fact that no day has yet been allotted this Session to Irish Supply, he will put down for some day before the Whitsuntide recess a Vote that will make it possible to discuss the constitution and methods of procedure of the Treasury Committee which is endeavouring to force upon Ireland the legislation against which the general council of the Irish county councils protest?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI have no knowledge of the resolution referred to. The suggestion which the hon. Member makes would not give effect to the object he has in view since this matter cannot properly be discussed on an Irish Vote. An opportunity for its discussion will arise on another occasion, namely, on the Temporary Commissions Vote, but I think it will be better to postpone it till the Committee has reported.
§ Mr. W. O'BRIENHow soon may we expect that an opportunity will occur, and does not the right hon. Gentleman think it a little unfair with two-thirds of the Session practically passed, that not a single day should be given to the discussion of Irish affairs?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThis would not arise on Irish Supply, and the hon. Member would not have the opportunity, if we put it down, of discussing this particular 524 matter. I am very anxious it should be discussed, but I think it would be better to wait until the Committee have actually reported.
§ Mr. W. O'BRIENWould not the right hon. Gentleman be able to give us some assurance in view of the very important Irish representative expression of opinion that I have quoted, that there will be no attempt to force this highly contentious measure upon a country within twelve or fifteen months of the day when we are promised that an Irish Parliament will be sitting? If the right hon. Gentleman can give me that assurance, we will be only too happy to have no discussion?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI do not know how the Committee is going to report. The Committee may report against this particular proposal for all I know.
§ Sir J. LONSDALEDoes the right hon. Gentleman propose to give a day to Irish Supply before Whitsuntide?