HC Deb 16 May 1854 vol 133 cc461-2
MR. BLAND

said, he would now move for leave to bring in a Bill "to provide for the annual variation of Rent Charge in lieu of Tithes in Ireland, with reference to the averages of the then next preceding seven years." His object here, again, was to assimilate the law of Ireland to that of England. The fact was, in Ireland they had no adequate machinery to carry out the intentions of the law, which were thus rendered nugatory. He simply wished to have justice done between the landed proprietors and the clergy, and that the latter should be paid upon the average price of corn for seven years.

SIR GEORGE GOODMAN

said, he hoped that the Government would press forward the inquiry as to the means of obtaining statistical information on the subject of agricultural produce throughout the country.

SIR JOHN YOUNG

said, he did not object to the introduction of the Bill, but he must observe, with regard to the hon. Gentleman's wish to assimilate the laws of England and Ireland on this subject, that the matter stood upon a very different footing in the two countries, and the measure would require very serious consideration before it could be passed into law.

MR. V. SCULLY

said, that means ought to be taken to secure greater accuracy in the corn averages in Ireland. The present system with respect to tithe rent charges was very defective, and he would recommend that some plan should be adopted similar to one which had been proposed twenty years ago by the present Lord Derby, so as to make those charges redeemable at a certain number of years' purchase.

MR. FRENCH

said, he did not concur in the suggestion of his hon. Friend, for he thought that the difficulties of the question, great as they were, might be overcome if they were properly inquired into.

MR. G. A. HAMILTON

said, he also thought it was possible to meet the difficulties of the case.

Leave given. Bill ordered to be brought in by Mr. Bland, Mr. FitzGerald, and Mr. Francis Scully.