HC Deb 26 March 1919 vol 114 cc562-4

Resolution relating to expenses incurred under the Public Health (Medical Treatment of Children—Ireland) Bill.

Considered in Committee.

[Sir E. CORNWALL in the Chair.]

Motion made, and Question proposed, That it is expedient to authorise the payment to local authorities, out of moneys to be provided by Parliament, of an amount not exceeding one-half of the expenses incurred by local authorities in the execution of any Act of the present Session to make provision for the medical treatment of children attending elementary schools in Ireland."—[Mr. A. Samuels.]

Colonel GRETTON

Is there any estimate of the probable expenditure involved in this Resolution? The statement is that one-half of the expenses undertaken by local authorities is to be paid? I should like to have some explanation as to the amount involved.

The ATTORNEY-GENERAL for IRELAND (Mr. A. W. Samuels)

It is perfectly impossible to form an estimate, but I may explain that that involves exactly the same kind of provision as is made for England and Scotland. It is identically the same provision as has been made for several years.

Colonel GRETTON

That explanation is hardly satisfactory. Has the Government inquired what the expenditure has been in the past, so that they can make an estimate for this year. I do not ask them to make a forecast for four or five years hence; no doubt such provision can be explained to the House when the occasion arises. But cannot the Government give us some estimate for the present year?

Mr. SAMUELS

For several years back there has been placed on the Estimates a sum of £7,500 which has never been expended as we have never had the power to spend it. Therefore I assume that £7,500 will be about the amount.

Colonel GRETTON

I am much obliged to the right hon. and learned Gentleman for his reply.

Resolution to be reported To-morrow.

The remaining Orders were read and postponed.

Whereupon Mr. SPEAKER, pursuant to the Order of the House of the 12th February, proposed the Question, "That this House do now adjourn."

Adjourned accordingly at Five minutes after Eleven o'clock.