HC Deb 05 December 1890 vol 349 cc676-8

(5.5.) Bill read a second time, and committed.

Bill considered in Committee.

(In the Committee.)

Clause 3.

COLONEL NOLAN (Galway, N.)

This clause is the same as that contained in the Bill of 1880. Subsequently to the passing of that Bill it became necessary to apply to the Treasury for an extension to four years. I hope the Treasury will be willing to grant a similar extension now if necessary.

THE CHIEF SECRETARY FOR IRELAND (Mr. A. J. BALFOUR, Manchester, E.)

I think the hon. and gallant Member will find that Clause 7 adequately meets his point.

Clause agreed to.

Clause 5.

(5.9.) COLONEL NOLAN

On this clause I desire to move an Amendment which will enable the Guardians to sell seed to occupying owners. I think, unless some such provision is made, the Bill will fail to benefit many people who require the advantages of it.

Amendment proposed, in Clause 5, page 2, line 37, after "land," to insert "and to occupying owner."—agreed to.

(5.10.) MR. MACARTNEY (Antrim, S.)

What provision is to be made by Government to control the sale of seed?

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

My hon. Friend will see from Clause 11 that there are wide powers given to the Local Government Board, with the consent of the Lord Lieutenant, for making rules for the distribution of seed. I hope that the object aimed at will be adequately carried out.

(5.11.) MR. MACARTNEY

Seeing the progress which is being made with the Bill I do not wish to take up the time of the Committee, but I do desire to place on record my protest against seed being distributed except for cash payments.

(5.12.) COLONEL NOLAN

In the case of the ordinary Unions it is perfectly understood that the seed must be paid for, and no liability will, therefore, be incurred, but in the case of the five or six very poor Unions it would, I think, be very unwise to insert such a provision. My hon. Friend may rely on it that not a single penny will be wasted by Guardians under this Bill.

Remaining clauses agreed to.

(5.16.) COLONEL NOLAN

Would it not be desirable to insert a new clause showing what is to be taken as primâ facie evidence of the delivery of seed? There have been many disputes raised on this point in the past, and much trouble has ensued, so that it would be as well to define the evidence in the Bill.

(5.17.) THE ATTORNEY GENERAL FOR IRELAND (Mr. MADDEN, Dublin University)

I think that is met by Clause 11, which gives wide powers for the framing of rules and forms of receipts, which will be primâ facie evidence.

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

At any rate, we will confer with the hon. and gallant Member on the point before the Report stage is taken.

Bill reported: as amended, to be considered upon Monday next.