HC Deb 14 June 1858 vol 150 cc2086-8

Order for Second Reading read.

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

MR. BAGWELL

said, he objected to the consideration of the Bill at that hour. [A few minutes to twelve o'clock.] Such a measure would produce a revolution in England, and it was incumbent on the Government to show that the state of Ireland called for a total abnegation of the laws of liberty in that country. The provision to which he more particularly objected was that which enabled the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland to send to any parish where a disturbance occurred, or where a crime was committed, any amount of police whatever. Under the provisions of such a Bill a conviction of any person might be obtained, and the most innocent persons might suffer. The time for a law of this sort had passed away, and the best mode to conciliate the people of Ireland, and to teach them to obey the law, was by making the laws in England and Ireland equal. Ireland was perfectly tranquil, and there was no reason for the Bill. He therefore moved that it be read a second time that day six months.

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

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

LORD NAAS

said, he should be very glad if he could agree with the hon. Member that there was no need for this Bill. For though the condition of Ireland had much improved of late, there was still in certain districts the remnants of the old lawless feeling which required to be repressed. He might state that quite recently applications had been received from two different parts of Ireland for the application of the measure, and at this moment, he need hardly remind the House, that Belfast was under its operation. He wished to explain that the measure did not at all interfere with the ordinary administration of the law; it only enabled the Lord Lieutenant, for cause shown, to proclaim a district, and then to march an extra body of police into it, and to disarm the inhabitants.

MR. SERJEANT DEASY

said, he should support the Bill, as he thought it would be attended with the most mischievous consequences if the House refused to give the present Government the same powers for preserving the peace which were possessed by their predecessors. He suggested that the Bill should be renewed for only one instead of two years, and by that time Belfast would probably be in a state not to require it.

MR. CHICHESTER FORTESCUE

said, he was also constrained to admit, however reluctantly, that the measure could not be dispensed with. He trusted, however, that the Government would use great caution and discretion in acting upon its powers.

MR. P. O'BRIEN

said, he had opposed the Bill when it was introduced by the right hon. Member for Stroud (Mr. Horsman), and he would not support it now. If Belfast needed such a Bill, let one be brought in for the special benefit of Belfast; but that was no reason for annoying and, perhaps, imprisoning respectable farmers who were brought before the magistrates for having a gun in their possession, which had been handed down from father to son for generations.

Question put,

The House divided:—Ayes 168; Noes 20: Majority 148.

Main Question put and agreed to.

Bill read 2°, and committed for Tomorrow.

House adjourned at a quarter before Oneo'clock.