HC Deb 13 June 1836 vol 34 cc487-8

The Order of the Day for the further consideration of the Lords' Amendments to the Irish Municipal Corporations' Bill was read.

Sir Robert Peel

wished to know whether the amendments the hon. and learned Member meant to move, were amendments upon the Lords' amendments, and whether they were printed, because they could do no more than deal with the Lords' amendments.

Mr. O'Loghlen

was understood to say the amendments were not printed, and that it was intended to move the re-introduction of certain clauses which had teen rejected by the Lords. He was ready, however, to afford every explanation.

Several verbal and other amendments were proposed and put from the Chair.

Colonel Sibthorp

wished to know what was doing, as he really could not understand it. He was bound to suspect every measure or amendment proposed by the other side.

On the next amendment being proposed,

Sir Robert Peel

said, this was utterly unintelligible. After the debate which had taken place, and the decisive majority that had followed, he did not intend any opposition of a vexatious character. But in a Bill of such importance, they ought to see what they were doing. He hoped the amendments they were making would be printed, so that they might see what they were about.

Lord John Russell

said, they were now merely restoring some of the original clauses.

Mr. Sergeant Jackson

If they did not see what the alterations were, they might as well leave the House.

Lord John Russell

said, the great prin- ciple was the restoration of the original clauses. With respect to the new clauses, they would be printed in the course of two or three hours.

Sir Robert Peel

thought, as they were legislating on a matter of such importance, that it would be most desirable that all the alterations should he printed.

Colonel Sibthorp

objected to the measure being thrust upon the House in what he called so unfair a a manner. One single word introduced into a clause might overturn the constitution of the country; therefore he objected to the measure being proceeded with in such a way.

The other clauses up to 85 of the original Bill, with some omissions and amendments, were restored. At three o'clock the House adjourned, and was resumed again at five o'clock.