IRELAND. (Hansard, 17 February 1919)

§ 57. Mr. LYNN
asked whether the housing scheme referred to in the King's Speech will apply to Ireland?

§ 61. Major O'NEILL
asked whether the forthcoming Housing Bill will apply to Ireland; and, if not, what steps the Government propose to take to deal with the question of housing in Ireland?

§ The ATTORNEY-GENERAL for IRELAND (Mr. A. Samuels)
Housing proposals on similar lines as those contained in the English Bill are at the present moment under the consideration of the Government.

§ Major O'NEILL
Can the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance that the housing scheme will apply to Ireland pari passu with the advantages which will be given to England under the housing scheme?

§ Mr. SAMUELS
I would ask the hon. and gallant Member to await the proposals, which I think will be quite satisfactory.

§ 66. Major O'NEILL
asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the fact that the Housing Bill will not apply to Ireland, he will state the intentions of the Government as to the participation of Ireland in the other items of social and remedial legislation adumbrated in the Speech from the Throne?

§ 67. Captain REDMOND
asked the Prime Minister when he proposes to make a statement regarding the questions of housing, reconstruction, and public health in Ireland; whether special legislation is to be introduced dealing with these subjects; and, if so, when such legislation will be introduced?

§ Mr. BONAR LAW
It is the intention of the Government that legislation corresponding with the social and remedial measures for Great Britain shall be undertaken for Ireland, and the method of doing this is being considered.

§ Major O'NEILL
As regards time, will the right hon. Gentleman say Ireland will not be placed at a disadvantage?

§ Mr. BONAR LAW
I am afraid I cannot add anything to what I have said. I am sure my hon. Friend would not desire that the reforms should not be taken merely because it is not possible to consider them simultaneously with those of Ireland.

§ Mr. DEVLIN
Why was it not possible to consider these matters in Ireland at the time they were considered in England?

§ Mr. BONAR LAW
Perhaps the hon. Member is unaware of the fact that the conditions in Ireland are slightly different from those in England.

§ Mr. DEVLIN
Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the fact that the Irish people want to manage these things themselves?

§ Captain REDMOND
Will the question of reconstruction in Ireland be decided by this House, by the Irish people, or by the Kildare Street Club?

§ Mr. BONAR LAW
It will be decided in the usual way by the Government with the sanction of Parliament.

§ Mr DEVLIN
From whom will the Government take advice in the adjustment of this question?

§ Mr. BONAR LAW
From those who are, in the opinion of the Government, most competent to advise them.

§ Mr. DEVLIN
Are those whom the Government consider most competent to give advice the Kildare Street Club of landlords?