§ Mr. F. GRAYMay I ask your ruling, Sir, as to the right of hon. Members to put questions and receive replies with reference to the affairs of Northern Ireland, notwithstanding the powers conferred upon the Parliament of Northern Ireland, and to call attention to the facts, first, that Northern Ireland has representation in this House; secondly, that powers are reserved to this country under the provisions of the Government of Ireland Act, 1920: thirdly, that monies are voted by this House to 1624 defray in whole or in part the expenses of services transferred to Northern Ireland, and, fourthly, that there is reserved the power of taxation and an interest in the profits of taxation in Northern Ireland for the benefit of the Consolidated Fund.
§ Mr. SPEAKERIn answer to the hon. Member, I have to say the fact that Northern Ireland sends Members to this House does not affect the question. With regard to those subjects which have been delegated to the Government of Northern Ireland, questions must be asked of Ministers in Northern Ireland, and not 1625 in this House. In the case of those subjects which were reserved to this Parliament, questions can be addressed here to the appropriate Ministers—for instance, the President of the Board of Trade, the Postmaster-General, etc. The policy of voting money here in aid of Irish services may be discussed here, but, subject to the responsibility that attaches to the Chairman of Committees in that matter, I would say that this right does not cover matters of administration for which a Minister in Northern Ireland is responsible. We give a subvention in aid of police, but outside the metropolitan area the administration and responsibility are local.