§ MR. BUTTasked Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, Whether he can give an opportunity of discussing the University Education (Ireland) Bill?
§ THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER,in reply, said, he was perfectly aware from the communications which had been made to him, and especially from what he had been told by an important deputation of Irish Members who had done him the honour to call upon him some time ago, that great interest was felt in this Bill by Members for Ireland. Now, he apprehended that there was no possibility of the Bill becoming law this Session; but he understood that the hon. and learned Gentleman and others were desirous of an opportunity of discussing its provisions. He might say, in passing, that the Bill was one which the Government could not accept, and in regard to which they would feel much difficulty; but, at the same time, it might be a measure which it would be proper to discuss. That discussion could be taken either upon the Bill itself, or upon the Irish Education Estimates. As, however, it was probable that as much time would be taken up the one way as the other, he thought it would be more satisfactory that the discussion should be held on the Bill itself. At the same time he must remind the House that, on the previous night, the Government were pressed by the hon. and learned Gentleman himself and many of his Friends, as well as by others, to go on with Supply, and with Supply they must go on, even at the cost of postponing and possibly endangering some of their own Bills. In those circumstances, all he could say to the hon. and learned Gentleman was, that he 488 would be glad if he found himself able by-and-bye, during the month of July, to give an opportunity for the discussion of the University Education (Ireland) Bill. Any promise he could give must, however, be contingent on the progress made with Supply during the next fortnight.