MR. HOWORT (Salford, S.)I beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury whether, in view of the impending resignation of the Lora Lieutenancy of Ireland by Lord Londonderry, and the very widespread feeling that if the office is maintained it should be detached as much as possible from 1863 Party politics, the Government will consider, before making a new appointment, the propriety of advising the Crown to depute the ceremonial duties of the Lord Lieutenant to one of the Royal Princes, and to make suitable provisions for his residence in Ireland during a portion of each year?
§ MR. HENEAGE (Grimsby)also asked whether, in view of the impending resignation of the Lord Lieutenant, the Government will consider the expediency of introducing a Bill to abolish the office, and to transfer the administrative duties of the Lord Lieutenant and Chief Secretary to a Secretary of State for Ireland.
§ *MR. W. H. SMITHThe questions of my hon. Friend the Member for Salford and of the right hon. Gentleman opposite refer to subjects of great delicacy and importance, and they will feel, I am sure, that it is impossible for me to come under any engagement with the House beyond this—that the Government will give their most anxious consideration to them.