§ MR. H. A. HERBERTasked, whether it was the intention of the Government to prosecute any further inquiry into the circumstances connected with the late failure of certain savings banks in Ireland? The Committee of last Session reported that they had proceeded with the inquiry intrusted to them by the House; but, owing to the late period of the Session, they found themselves unable to bring it to a satisfactory conclusion; and they were of opinion that it was advisable that a further inquiry should take place during the recess, or in the next Session of Parliament, into the existing system of savings banks.
§ The CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUERreplied, that pending certain legal proceedings which were going on with respect to these banks, the Government did not think it would be advisable to institute further inquiries.
§ MR. H. A. HERBERTbegged to ask the Member for the University of Dublin whether there was anything in the present state of legal proceedings pending in the matter of the savings bank of St. Peter's parish, in the city of Dublin, which rendered necessary the postponement of an inquiry by a Committee of this House, into the affairs of the said bank?
§ MR. SPEAKERinformed the hon. Member that it was contrary to precedent for such a question to be submitted to a private Member.