HC Deb 19 February 1919 vol 112 cc957-8W
Mr. SEXTON

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether any decision has yet been arrived at with regard to dealing with the problems of reconstruction in Ireland; whether the Lord Lieutenant's Advisory Council has been, or will be, empowered to deal with such questions; whether it was set up for that purpose, and, if not, for what purpose it was set up; whether that body has statutory rights or statutory recognition, and, if not, whether it is proposed to introduce legislation to confer such recognition; what is the total number of members of the Advisory Council; how many of them are members of the Kildare Street Club and how many of them are merchants or manufacturers; and whether it is proposed to entrust the spending of public funds to a body so constituted?

Mr. SAMUELS

As the name connotes, this body is purely advisory and has no Statutory recognition. No appointment of any committee has been made to administer the reconstruction scheme which is being considered for Ireland.