HC Deb 23 April 1849 vol 104 cc706-7

Order for receiving Report thereupon read.

Motion made, and Question proposed, "That the Report be now brought up."

CAPTAIN JONES

said, he did not rise to oppose the measure, but as there was a clause in the report that the money was to be repaid from the produce of the rate in aid, he felt that if he supported that clause he would be a party to deluding the House, for he was satisfied that the money would not be raised. He quoted at some length the evidence of Mr. Twisleton to the effect that the rate in aid would not only be collected with difficulty, but that it would endanger the whole working of the poor-law in Ireland.

MR. BROTHERTON

objected to hon. Members getting up an Irish debate at that late hour.

COLONEL DUNNE

said, he had not the slightest wish to make an Irish debate, but he was quite ready to join in an Irish division.

MR. SHARMAN CRAWFORD

said, from the knowledge he had of the north of Ireland, he was satisfied that the people there would never voluntarily submit to the imposition of this tax, believing it to be unconstitutional and unjust. The collection of the tax would cost more money than its produce would amount to; and if English Members voted for the advance of this money on the faith that it would be repaid by the rate in aid, they would be voting under a delusion: it would be a taking of money under false pretences.

The MARQUESS of WORCESTER

moved that the report be received that day six months.

Amendment proposed, to leave out the word "now," and at the end of the Question to add the words "upon this day six months."

MR. HERRIES

recommended the noble Marquess not to press his Motion to a division, as other opportunities would arise in the course of the debate on the measure.

The MARQUESS of WORCESTER

said, that he had moved the Amendment, because he was well aware of the great difficulty which would be found in collecting this rate, arising from the great repugnance of the people of Ireland to pay it. He thought that in so doing he should have received the support of the Irish Members, but as most of them had now left the House, he begged to withdraw his Amendment.

Question proposed, "That the word "now" stand part of the Question."

Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.

Main Question put, and agreed to.

Resolution reported— That the Commissioners of Her Majesty's Treasury of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland be anthorised to direct the advance, out of the Consolidated Fund of the said United Kingdom, of any sum, not exceeding 100,000l., for affording relief to certain distressed Poor Law Unions in Ireland, the same to he charged on any Rate to be levied in each Union of Ireland under any Act to be passed in the present Session of Parliament.

Resolution agreed to.

Instruction to the Committee on the Poor Laws (Ireland) (Rate in Aid) Bill, that they have power to make provision therein pursuant to the said Resolution.

House adjourned at a quarter before Two o'clock.