§ THE EARL OF DONOUGHMORE moved the second reading of this Bill.
THE DUKE OF LEINSTERexpressed his approval of the measure, and referred to the gratifying improvement in the condition of Ireland.
THE EARL OF LEITRIMsaid, he would not oppose the second reading, but the Bill in its present shape gave power to charge the inheritor of the estate with unlimited 850 sums by the act of the tenant for life; and he contended that the inheritor ought not, through the operation of this Act, to be placed in a worse position than he had heretofore been. The improved condition of Ireland, he maintained, was owing not so much to national prosperity as to the results of the depopulation consequent on the famine, and it was expedient that some restriction should be placed upon the power of holders of property to throw burdens on the estate of the tenant in tail by the erection of cottages.
VISCOUNT DUNGANNONthought the Bill would operate beneficially by encouraging the erection of Houses for the poor in Ireland.
THE MARQUESS OF BATHsaid, this was one of a number of Bills which imposed upon the tenant for life of settled estates an incumbrance which was to be transmitted to his successor, to his serious detriment. He would not, however, oppose the Bill at this stage.
§ LORD REDESDALEalso expressed his disapproval of this species of legislation, which imposed a heavy and unremanerative burden upon settled estates.
§ THE DUKE OF NEWCASTLEobserved that upon the understanding that the measure must be regarded as wholly exceptional, and owing to the peculiar circumstances of Ireland, he would not, on the part of the Government, oppose the second reading. He had, however, hoped the day had gone by for exceptional legislation towards Ireland.
§ Bill read 2a, and committed to a Committee of the whole House on Thursday next.
§ House adjourned at a quarter before Seven o'clock, till To-morrow, Half-past Ten o'clock.