HC Deb 27 March 1913 vol 50 cc1818-9
38. Mr. MITCHELL-THOMSON

asked whether the right hon. Gentleman's attention has been called to the deficit in the Capitation Grant towards the cost of maintenance of pauper lunatics in asylums in Ireland; and whether, in view of the fact that, in the county of Down alone, the deficit for the year ending 31st March, 1911, amounted to £1,019 11s. 11d., he is prepared to take any and, if so, what steps to see that the original amount of the Capitation Grant is duly available for the local authorities?

Mr. RUSSELL

The attention of my right hon. Friend has been called to this matter. As already stated, the whole question of local taxation is under the consideration of the local taxation committee, and it is not possible to make any statement on the subject at present.

Mr. MITCHELL-THOMSON

Will the right hon. Gentleman give me an assurance that the Treasury will keep faith with the local authorities in this matter, and will he bring this question to the notice of the Treasury?

Mr. RUSSELL

Yes, my right hon. Friend is already in communication with the Treasury on this matter.