§ Mr. DEVLINasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he has received a resolution from the Approved Societies' Association of Ireland, including the Catholic Young Men's Society, the Limerick County Society, the Dublin Protestant Society, and the Drapers' Assistants' Society, protesting against the application of the English Public Health Bill to Ireland and making a separate demand for a Public Health Bill for Ireland; whether these are only a small number of the organisations representing the working classes in Ireland who are making a similar demand; whether there is any public authority or representative body in Ireland in favour of this English Bill; and whether he will now take steps, in view of the state of public feeling, to introduce a separate Public Health Bill for Ireland?
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§ Mr. MACPHERSONThe resolutions referred to have been received. I am aware that public opinion is divided, and certain sections are in favour of a separate Bill, while others, including a large section of the medical profession, prefer the adaptation of the appropriate, clauses of the English Bill.
§ Mr. DEVLINasked the President of the Local Government Board whether, before proceeding further with the proposed Public Health Bill for Ireland, a conference will be called of the representatives of local public bodies, the medical profession, the Insurance Commissioners, and others interested in the public health with a view to the preparation of an Irish Public Health Ministry which would meet the special and particular needs of Ireland?
§ Major ASTORMy right hon. Friend stated in the course of Debate on the Second Reading of the Ministry of Health Bill that he would be glad so far as practicable, to consult the views of such bodies as are mentioned in the question in regard to the application of the Bill to Ireland; and he is in communication with my right hon. Friend the Chief Secretary for Ireland in the matter.