Mr. O'Connellsaid, the charter of the Bank of Ireland expired next month, and no proceedings had hitherto been taken with respect to its renewal. He had, therefore, been instructed by his constituents to ask the right hon. the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether it was his intention to bring forward any measure relating to the Bank of Ireland?
§ The Chancellor of the Exchequersaid, 773 the hon. and learned Member was aware that a Committee had been appointed a few days ago, to inquire into the nature and operation of the Joint-stock Banking Companies, and as that inquiry was extended to Ireland, he was not disposed to take any step until they fairly ascertained upon what principle those Joint-stock Banks were conducted, especially as the principal portion of the business in Ireland was divided between the Bank of Ireland and the Joint-stock Banks. The decision to which the Government would come respecting the renewal of the Bank of Ireland charter, would, in a great measure, depend upon the result of the inquiry before the Committee.