§ 16. Colonel ASHLEYasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that the County Dublin County Council have pledged their allegiance to the republican assembly in Ireland, hold their meetings under the republican flag, refuse to pay the police rate, refuse to recognise the King's courts, and withhold all information from the Inland Revenue and other Departments for the purposes of taxation; whether there is any Act of Parliament which compels or authorises the payment of moneys out of public funds to a council which denies the authority of this Parliament; if so, will the Government take steps forthwith to repeal such an Act; and, if not, will payment to this council out of public funds be immediately discontinued?
§ Sir H. GREENWOODMy attention has been called to a resolution substantially to the effect stated in the first part of the question, reported in the Press to have been passed by the Dublin County Council on the 8th instant. With regard to the remainder of the question, I am not in a position to add anything to the reply given to a question on this subject asked by my hon. and gallant Friend on Thursday last, save that these grants are being made available under the Bill I have recently introduced to pay decrees obtained against local authorities for murders and injuries to property.
§ Colonel ASHLEYUntil the introduction of the Bill, will the Government cease paying over our money to rebels?
§ Sir H. GREENWOODThe Bill has been introduced, and I hope will have an early passage into law, and, in the meantime, no money, so far as I know, 2570 is being paid from the Exchequer to recalcitrant county councils.
§ Captain W. BENNDo we understand from the right hon. Gentleman that no payments in grants will be made to any county councils in Ireland who have taken action similar to that in the question?
§ Sir H. GREENWOODI must have notice of specific county councils in reference to grants.
§ Captain BENNYou made a general statement.