HC Deb 02 June 1890 vol 344 cc1837-8

Bill considered in Committee.

(In the Committee.)

Clause 1.

Motion made, and Question proposed, "That Clause I stand part of the Bill."

*(12.11.) MR. SEXTON (Belfast, W.)

I. believe that this Bill does not extend to Ireland. You give us so many bad Bills in Ireland that when you have a good one I think we ought not to be excluded from it. It is only on the undertaking that Ireland will be included in this measure that it is at all likely to pass with general assent.

(12.12.) MR. F. S. POWELL (Wigan)

So far as I am personally concerned, I have no objection whatever to extend the Bill to Ireland.

Question put, and agreed to.

Clause 2.

MR. SEXTON

I beg to move, after the word "Wales," to insert the words "and Ireland."

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

I see no reason at all why this Bill should not be extended to Ireland; but it is perfectly plain that a carefully-prepared clause will be necessary for the purpose. The Bill is framed upon the model of the English Public Health Act, which is different from that of Ireland. If I find the measure can be extended to Ireland I will bring up a clause later.

*MR. F. S. POWELL

Under these circumstances I think the best plan will be to report Progress, and put the Bill down for Monday.

MR. H. H. FOWLER

Will the Attorney General for Ireland prepare his Amendment before the House goes into Committee again?

*(12.14.) MR. MADDEN

Yes, Sir. I do not at this moment pledge myself to the statement that this Bill can be conveniently extended to Ireland; but, if so, I will put down my Amendment.

*MR. H. H. FOWLER

This is a Bill which has been most carefully considered by a Select Committee. It is an entirely permissive Bill, and I hope the House may be able to press it during the present Session. There was a desire on the part of the Select Committee to extend the operation of the measure to Ireland, but it was feared there might be some objection on the part of the Irish Representatives to such extension. I hope the Attorney General for Ireland will see no difficulty in the proposed extension.

*MR. MADDEN

I shall raise no difficulty.

MR. SEXTON

I hold similar opinions with the right hon. Gentleman the Member for Wolverhampton, and I only wish to say that I do not gather from the remarks of the Attorney General that there is any objection in point of substance; that it is merely a question of drafting.

*CAPTAIN VERNEY (Bucks, N.)

I have Amendments down which I hope will not be ruled out of order in consequence of the proposed Amendment coming a few words before them.

Committee report Progress; to sit again upon Monday next.