HC Deb 06 August 1838 vol 44 cc1017-8

On the motion that the House resolve itself into Committee on the Spirit Licences (Ireland) Bill,

Mr. Shaw

repeated his objections to the bill, on the ground of the immoral effect of the practice it sanctioned. As Government must be convinced of the pernicious consequences of the practice, and as two years' warning had been given, with a clear understanding that no further indulgence would be granted, there was no reason for this Bill. He moved, that it be committed that day three months.

Mr. O'Connell

supported the bill. There had been ten or eleven divisions on the bill already; and he thought the House ought not to countenance the system of opposition pursued by the right hon. Gentleman in regard to this bill. A Committee of that House had reported in favour of the grocers, and when it was proposed to take from them the privilege of selling spirits, a deputation from that body had satisfied the Government of the injustice of such a proceeding. The grocers in Dublin might be prepared for terminating their retail trade in spirits, but in the country towns an immediate prohibition would be productive of ruin to many, as they were not aware that such a measure was even contemplated. All they wanted was one year more, to enable them to take their capital out of this branch of their trade, and to dispose of the stock on hand. He might mention to the House, that not a single grocer had lost his licence for misconduct, and he did therefore hope, that they would consent to allow the bill to proceed.

Mr. Lucas

would give his most determined opposition to the measure, as he believed the mischiefs of the system of permitting grocers to sell spirits could not be got rid of in any other way than by throwing out the bill. The hon. and learned Member for Dublin had stated, that no grocer had lost his licence for misconduct, but it was impossible to find the grocers guilty of improper conduct, because they had not the same power over them as over the keepers of public-houses.

Sir W. Somerville

would give his vote in favour of going into Committee upon the bill, because he wished the grocers to have an opportunity of disposing of their stock; but he thought the system of permitting grocers to sell spirits ought to be put an end to.

The House divided. Ayes 35; Noes 25;—Majority 10.

List of the AYES.
Aglionby, H. A. Bellew, R. M.
Archbold, R. Blennerhassett, A.
Chalmers, P. Parker, J.
Dalmeny, Lord Parnell, Sir H.
Etwall, R. Pechell, Capt.
Gordon, R. Pendarves, E.
Hector, C. J. Phillips, M.
Hobhouse, T. B. Power, J.
Howard, P. H. Somerville, Sir W. M.
Lushington, C. Stock, Dr.
Lynch, A. H. Thornely, T.
Macleod, R. Townly, R. G.
Maule, W. H. Vigors, N. A.
Morpeth, Lord Wallace, R.
Morris, D. Wyse, T.
Muskett, G. A. Yates, J. A.
O'Connell, D. TELLERS.
O'Connell, J. O'Connell, M. J.
O'Connell, M. Pryme, G.
List of the NOES.
Acland Sir T. D. Lockhart, A. M.
Alsager, Capt. Lucas, E.
Brotherton, J. Praed, W. T.
Clements, Lord Richards, R.
Estcourt, T. Rolfe, Sir R. M.
Fergusson, Sir R. Russell, Lord J.
Freshfield, J. W. Spry, Sir S. T.
Hawes, B. Thornhill, G.
Hodgson, R. Tollemache, F. J.
Holmes, W. Vere, Sir C. B.
Inglis, Sir R. H. Vivian, J. E.
Jones, T. TELLERS.
Kemble, H. Shaw, F.
Lefevre, C. S. Ellis, J.

Bill went through a Committee. The House resumed.