§ MR. REYNOLDSbegged to ask the noble Lord at the head of the Government if it were the intention of Her Majesty's Government to introduce or support, during the present Session of Parliament, any measure for the abolition of the office of Lord Lieutenant of Ireland? He had been induced to put this Motion on the paper in consequence of the excitement that had prevailed among his constituents in consequence of a rumour that it was the intention of Her Majesty's Government to abolish the office of Lord Lieutenant of Ireland. This excitement had been further increased by an announcement in that great organ of public opinion, the Times, on this subject.
§ LORD J. RUSSELLSir, the hon. Gentleman must be aware that it is impossible to abolish the office of Lord Lieutenant of Ireland without introducing a Bill into this House. Notice would be given of any such Bill, and it would receive the full consideration of this House; but I will state further, that it has been for some time in contemplation by Her Majesty's Government to introduce a measure for the abolition of the office of Lord Lieutenant of Ireland. I will also state, that I have been in communication with the Lord Lieutenant on that subject. Of course, there are arrangements to be made, and some difficulties to be met; and before such a measure is brought before the House I shall give, as I have said, full notice of such a measure. With respect to the hon. Member's question whether Her Majesty's Government would "support" any measure for the purpose, it will be necessary, if the Government think such a measure desirable, to introduce it in the name of the Government, and the Government would not support such a measure if introduced by any hon. Member unconnected with the Government.