HC Deb 17 July 1854 vol 135 cc358-60

Order for Third Reading read.

Motion made and Question proposed, "That the Bill be now read the third time."

CQLONEL DUNNE

said, he had given notice to move the insertion of a clause limiting the Bill to two years instead of five, but if he received an assurance from the Government that a Committee would be appointed to inquire into the whole matter, he would not press his Motion. What he complained of was the large amount expended in the collection of the poor rate.

MR. J. BALL

said, that so far from there being a large amount expended, he had found that in those unions where the number relieved in a year was under 1,000, and in which there was the largest proportionate expense, the whole charge for officers of every kind, including clerks and collectors, did not exceed five farthings in the pound.

MR. I. BUTT

said, this was a question of centralisation, and he appealed to the House whether it was fair to deprive them of all opportunity of discussion; he should move the adjournment of the debate.

SIR JOHN YOUNG

said, he thought there was no necessity for that course, this Bill having been amply discussed in Committee. The attention of the Government would be directed to this subject during the recess, and after the recess they would be ready to assent to the appointment of a Committee to inquire into the powers of the Poor Law Commission. The hon. and gallant Member (Colonel Dunne) seemed, however, to desire an investigation into the whole operation of the Poor Law in Ireland; but such an inquiry, which had already taken place to a considerable extent, the Government were certainly not prepared to grant. He (Sir J. Young) believed that the vast majority of the people of Ireland were satisfied with the general principle and operation of the Poor Law.

MR. MACARTNEY

said, that during the last six or seven years numerous petitions had been presented to Parliament, complaining of the working of the Irish Poor Law, and especially of what were called the establishment charges.

Motion made, and Question put, "That the Debate be now adjourned."

The House divided:—Ayes 36; Noes 83: Majority 47.

Question again proposed:—Whereupon Motion made, and Question put, "That this House do now adjourn."

The House divided:—Ayes 21; Noes 97: Majority 76.

Main Question put, and agreed to.

Bill read 3o.

Amendment proposed, in page 2, line 14, to leave out the words "one thousand eight hundred and fifty-nine," and insert the words "one thousand eight hundred and fifty-six,"—instead thereof.

Question put, "That the words pro- posed to be left out stand part of the Bill."

The House divided:—Ayes 82; Noes 37: Majority 45.

Bill passed.

The House adjourned at a quarter after Two o'clock.