HC Deb 08 August 1850 vol 113 cc950-1

Order for Second Reading read.

Motion made, and Question proposed, "That the Bill be now read a Second Time."

SIR H. WILLOUGHBY

said, he thought it very extraordinary that Government should introduce a measure to compensate persons for an unfortunate speculation. The House should certainly have some explanation.

The CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER

, in reply, said, that the Lough Corrib Company had undertaken certain works which they were unable to proceed with, and that an Act had been passed in consequence to enable the Board of Works to carry out not only the object of the company, but to effect certain works of great value to that part of Ireland. The company had executed a certain quantity of works near Galway, and had improved the navigation; and it appeared that they had, on the whole, made improvements to the extent of 5,000l., which the Bill proposed should be paid to them in consideration of their labours; competent engineers having been consulted on the subject, thought that that was a fair sum.

MR. HUME

wanted to know what was the value that the country got for this sum of 5,000l.

The CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER

said, that the advantage obtained would be, that a certain portion of the channel of the river was excavated by the company, and the public would get the benefit of that improvement.

MR. HUME

wished to be told what good it was when done?

The CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER

replied, it would have the effect of lowering the level of Lough Corrib, and much land near its shores would thereby be gained by the owners of the adjoining estates; but those persons would be taxed to repay the expenditure so operating for their benefit.

MR. C. ANSTEY

said, that, in doing anything with regard to inland navigation, it appeared to him that the report of the Select Committee on the Irish Fisheries might advantageously be consulted.

COLONEL DUNNE

would be glad to know what was to be done with any profit arising from those works—was it to be handed over to the Treasury?

MR. M. J. O'CONNELL

said, that estimates for 3,500l. and 1,800l. had been given in with reference to these works, and he wished to know if those estimates had been in any manner authenticated. He hoped at the proper time, probably when the Bill was in Committee, that the right hon. Gentleman would be able to give the House some information on the subject.

MR. AGLIONBY

was glad this Bill was introduced; because it would only do a small and very tardy act of justice to a body that had spent large sums of money for the improvement of Ireland. The 5,000l. would only be about 2s. in the pound of the money that the company had sunk for the benefit of Ireland.

MR. ARKWRIGHT

thought it very unfair for the Government to bring forward Bills at the end of the Session in this way, when it was impossible to pass them if the ordinary forms of the House had been complied with. He would move that the Bill be read a second time that day three months.

Amendment proposed, to leave out the word "now," and at the end of the Question "to add the words upon this day three months."

Question put, "That the word 'now' stand part of the Question."

The House divided:—Ayes 63; Noes 10: Majority 53.

Main Question put, and agreed to.

Bill read 2°, and committed for Tomorrow, at Twelve o'clock.