§ Mr. HUGH BARRIEasked what was the total shortage in the payments to Irish local authorities from the Local Taxation 2380W Account (Ireland) for the financial year ending 31st March last, and what is the estimated shortage for the financial year ending 31st March, 1912?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe hon. Member presumably refers to the Local Taxation Account formed under Section 58 of the Local Government (Ireland) Act, 1898. The income of that account for the year ended 31st March last) inclusive of a balance brought forward at the commencement of the year, was insufficient by the sum of £56,357 to meet the sums payable from the account in the same period. It is not possible at the present date to estimate the assets and liabilities of the account for the financial year ending 31st March, 1912.
§ Mr. HUGH BARRIEasked the Chief Secretary whether he has again pressed the Treasury to make a grant sufficient to enable the Local Taxation Account (Ireland) to discharge its usual obligations to Irish local authorities, and with what result?
§ Mr. BIRRELLI would refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Financial Secretary to the Treasury to a question asked on 3rd April by the hon. Member for South Berkshire. The whole question of local taxation is under the consideration of this Committee, whose report must be awaited.