§ MR. FRENCH moved the Third Reading of the Public Works (Ireland) Bill.
The EARL of LINCOLNwished to know whether the Government approved the provisions of this Bill, and considered them likely to effect the very desirable object of completing many of the public works which had been commenced. It seemed to be a Bill which the Government should have introduced and made themselves responsible for.
§ The CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER, when applied to by a deputation of Irish Members, had stated that the Government were not prepared to borrow money for completing these works, but were ready, as repayments were made for former advances, to lend the money again to enable the Irish counties to finish the works. He was then asked, whether there would be any objection to a Bill to enable the counties to go on with the works, and whether the Government would bring it in? He undertook that the Government should see that the Bill was properly drawn, and it had been carefully looked through by the Solicitor for the Irish Office, and by the Solicitor General for Ireland; but he must confess that he was anxious, as so much reproach had been cast upon Ireland for asking money from this country, that in this case the Irish Gentlemen should have the credit of introducing a measure under which money to be raised by themselves was to be spent on the works in question.
§ MAJOR BLACKALLwould not have objected to that if the Irish Gentlemen had had the credit of introducing the original measure, and deciding on the works to be selected and undertaken, and on the mode of carrying them on; but, as the Government had the discredit of having spoiled the roads, they might take upon themselves the task of finishing them. If it was intended to be left to counties now impoverished to raise the requisite funds, the country would be deprived of the means of communication this winter.
§ Bill read a third time and passed.