HC Deb 05 June 1913 vol 53 cc1024-5
21. Mr. SHEEHAN

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he intends to introduce this Session a measure extending the provisions of the Mental Deficiency (England) Bill to Ireland; whether it is possible to pass it through Parliament on lines of general agreement; what steps, if any, he has taken towards this end; and can he state the sum to which Ireland would be entitled annually as an equivalent Grant out of Imperial sources in case the present English Bill becomes law?

Mr. BIRRELL

I am considering the question of amending the Mental Deficiency Bill with a view to extending its provisions to Ireland, and I should be very glad to be assured that there was a general agreement on the subject. The latter part of the question should be addressed to my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer.

Mr. DELANY

Does the right hon. Gentleman know that there is no desire of the kind?