Oral Answers to Questions — Unemployment. – in the House of Commons at on 2 May 1923.
Mr Frank Gray
, Oxford
asked the Prime Minister whether, having regard to the fact that, under the Government of Ireland Act, 1920, full power is reserved to the British Parliament to legislate for Northern Ireland on all matters, including those services which by the said Act are transferred to Northern Ireland, it is in pusuance of such reservation that since the said Act and the establishment of the Parliament of Northern Ireland moneys voted by this House have been transferred or paid to the Government of Northern Ireland to defray in whole or in part the expenses of services transferred to Northern Ireland?
Mr William Bridgeman
, Oswestry
I have been asked to answer this question. I do not fully understand the hon. Member's question, but if his object is to ascertain what Grants-in-aid have been made by the Imperial Parliament to the revenues of Northern Ireland, I would refer him to the Estimates for the year 1922–23, Unclassified Services, numbers 7 and 8, and for the current year, Unclassified Services, number 5.
Mr Frank Gray
, Oxford
May I have an answer to the first half of my question?
Mr William Bridgeman
, Oswestry
If I could understand it, I should be very glad to give an answer. Perhaps the hon. Member will explain it to me outside.
Mr Frank Gray
, Oxford
On a point of Order. I am endeavouring to ascertain whether Members of this House are entitled to put questions to the Prime Minister or to the Home Secretary with reference to the conduct of proceedings in Northern Ireland, having regard to the term of the Act of 1920. On that point, I should like to have your ruling, Mr. Speaker.
Mr John Whitley
, Halifax
I think the hon. Member had better give me notice of that question.
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