§ MR. P. SCROPEsaid, this Bill stood for the second reading that day. He had had great hopes that the measure, or some one equivalent to it, would have been taken up by the Government during the present Session, and carried successfully through the House. Since he came down to the House, however, he had learned that there was an indisposition to carry this or any similar measure during the present Session. He regretted this exceedingly, as it was in every respect desirable that they should have as many sources of employment for the people of Ireland as possible during the winter months; and he knew of none more profitable or beneficial than the reclamation of waste lands in Ireland on a large scale. If this Bill was postponed, he trusted that at the earliest possible period next Session, a measure would be introduced by Government for this object, as he was satisfied that without some such, scheme no satisfactory government of Ireland could be carried on.
LORD J. RUSSELLsaid, Her Majesty's Government had every wish to introduce a Bill of this kind, and much consideration had been given to this and other measures of a similar nature; but, after due deliberation, they had come to the conclusion that it would be far better to postpone such measures till more time for consideration could be given to them.
§ Bill withdrawn.