HC Deb 13 January 1916 vol 77 cc1745-6
16. Mr. GINNELL

asked the number of elected public bodies in Ireland that have adopted resolutions calling for the repeal of the National Insurance Act so far as regards its application to Ireland; and what action it is proposed to take towards meeting their wishes?

Mr. BIRRELL

I have received resolutions of the nature indicated from six of the several hundred elected public bodies in Ireland, and I do not propose to take any action on them.

Mr. W. O'BRIEN

Does the right hon. Gentleman mean to suggest that only six representative bodies in Ireland have called for the abrogation of this Act?

Mr. BIRRELL

No, Sir; all I say is that I have only received representations from six of them.

Mr. GINNELL

Mr. Speaker, the question does not ask the right hon. Gentleman how many have been received, but how many have been adopted?

Mr. BIRRELL

I cannot answer that.

Mr. GINNELL

You should say so.

Mr. W. O'BRIEN

Does the right hon. Gentleman ever read the Irish newspapers?

Mr. BIRRELL

Occasionally.