HC Deb 20 February 1919 vol 112 cc1119-20
40. Mr. DEVLIN

asked the Chief Secretary whether he is now in a position to make any statement as to what steps the Government propose to take in regard to the problems of housing, public health, reconstruction, and demobilisation in Ireland?

Mr. SAMUELS

My right hon. Friend the Chief Secretary regrets he is not yet in a position to make any definite statement on the four problems mentioned in the question, but he hopes that he may be in the near future.

Mr. DEVLIN

Has the Irish Government taken any steps during the last six months to consider how these matters are to be dealt with, as they have done in England?

Mr. SAMUELS

I hope my right hon. Friend the Chief Secretary will very soon be in this House and have the opportunity of answering.

Mr. DEVLIN

Will he know anything about it when he comes?

Mr. MOLES

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this is the month in which the boroughs prepare their financial estimates for the year, and that it would greatly facilitate those responsible if particulars were now known so that provision may be made in the rates accordingly?