Mr. S. Ricepresented a petition from the Hibernian Philanthropic Society, praying that the House would take into considera- 1022 tion Mr. Owen's plan for the employment, of the poor, with the view of ascertaining how far it could be applied to the employment of the peasantry of Ireland. The petition was from a very respectable body, and, as such, merited the attention of the House. Upon the merits of the particular plan recommended by Mr. Owen, he would offer no opinion; but that some plan which would give employment to the poor in that country was much called for, there could be no doubt. To those who would study the peace of that country, such an object must be of vast importance. He would take that opportunity of asking the right hon. gentleman, whether he would object to the appointment of a committee in this or early in the next session, for the purpose of inquiring into the best means of employing the poor in Ireland?
§ Mr. Goulburnsaid, he could have no objection to the appointment of the committee. On the contrary, he would such a measure his best support; but he feared that if the committee were to employ themselves in considering the practicability of Mr. Owen's plan, however benevolent the intention of that gentleman might be, they would find their time not very well bestowed. At the same time, he trusted they might be able to devise some measure which could be carried into effect.
§ Ordered to lie on the table.