§ MR. T. M. HEALYI beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland are the Government opposed to the Bill to restrict the issue of new licences in Ireland?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURAs the hon. Member is aware, the restriction of the issue of new licences was an integral part of our general licensing scheme. That scheme was dropped, and with it the proposals in question. Without giving any opinion on the general question, I must frankly state it as my opinion that at this stage of the Session it would seem impossible to consider a Bill which is undoubtedly of great importance, and which, if it had formed part of the Government Bill, would doubtless have led to many hours' discussion.
§ MR. T. M. HEALYDoes the right hon. Gentleman's opinion also apply to the Irish Sunday Closing Bill?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOUROf course, I should greatly rejoice if that Bill could be passed.
§ MR. T. M. HEALYAre we to understand that in preference to taking my Bill, on which both sides are practically agreed, the Government propose to devote time to the discussion of the Sunday Closing Bill?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURI apprehend the Government cannot give time for anything. But I believe the Irish Sunday Closing Bill meets with general approval, and I should be glad to see it passed.
§ MR. T. M. HEALYThe right hon. Gentleman forgets it has not been read a second time.