HC Deb 27 June 1856 vol 142 cc2158-9

Order for Third Reading read.

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

COLONEL GREVILLE

said, he hoped the third reading would not be proceeded with. Under the provisions of the Bill it would be in the power of an agent to put an end to a tenancy from year to year by simple service of a summons, in case any damage should be done to the premises. He thought that such a state of things was most unjustifiable, and he should move that the Bill be read a third time that day three months.

MR. DE VERE

said, he had opposed the Bill from the beginning, and he should willingly second the Amendment of his hon. and gallant Friend.

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

SIR WILLIAM SOMERVILLE

said, he hoped that the third reading would be agreed to. He had not expected that any opposition would be offered to the Bill, as its object was to improve the dwellings of the labouring classes.

MR. M'MAHON

said, he wished to know whether the Government lent its sanction to the Bill? The Irish Members did not want it; and it had been brought in by the representative of an English borough (Sir W. Somerville). It was, in his opinion, most objectionable, and he hoped that the House would let the question of landlord and tenant alone until some general scheme to regulate their rights could be brought in. The Irish people deprecated these continual attempts at class legislation, and preferred that the people of England and Ireland should he governed by the same laws. He should support his hon. and gallant Friend's Amendment.

MR. G. A. HAMILTON

said, he had put his name to the back of the Bill, and he thought that the right hon. Baronet (Sir W. Somerville) deserved the greatest credit for the endeavour to improve the condition of the labouring classes of Ireland.

Question put, "That the word 'now' stand part of the Question."

The House divided:—Ayes 85; Noes 19: Majority 66.

Main Question put, and agreed to.

Bill read 3!.

Amendments made.

Bill passed.