HC Deb 19 February 1914 vol 58 c1113
21. Mr. NEWMAN

asked the Chief Secretary whether his attention has been drawn to the proceedings of the corporation of the city of Cork on the 13th instant; whether, as a result of a majority vote, the Nationalist members of the corporation decided that no member of the minority, consisting of members of the All-for-Ireland League, should be allowed to serve on any of the corporation committees; and whether the Government will give facilities for the passing of a measure to ensure the adequate representation of minorities on Irish public bodies by means of the single transferable vote?

Mr. BIRRELL

I have seen a newspaper report of the meeting of the corporation of Cork referred to, but I have no information as to whether the allegation in the second paragraph is correct or not. I do not think that the introduction of such a measure as the hon. Member suggests would be practicable in present circumstances.