§ Order for Third Reading read.
MR. HENLEYinquired whether there was any additional charge sanctioned on the public under this Bill than existed under the old system?
§ MR. LONGFIELDsaid, he desired to know whether the anomaly which had been pointed out in the Bill with regard to rabbits being considered game had been removed. He also drew attention to the fact that in Ireland a game licence cost 1354 £4 15s., in which was included £1 15s. for deputation; whilst in England it Was only £2 12s. In Ireland they had to pay £3 for killing a hare with a greyhound, and in England the same privilege was enjoyed for 12s.
§ THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUERsaid, the last point mentioned by the hon. Gentleman was not in any manner affected by the Bill. As regarded the higher price which was paid for a deputed gamekeeper in Ireland, the hon. Gentleman must be aware that the condition on which the benefit of the English provision should be extended to Ireland was, that Ireland should pay assessed taxes. The anomaly with respect to rabbits had been removed. In answer to the right hon. Gentleman, he could only say that no legislation had been attempted with regard to the mysterious 1s. or 1s. 8d. to which he had referred. He (the Chancellor of the Exchequer) was cognisant of the fact that such a charge was made, but he was not cognisant of the origin of it, or of its distinct legal nature. The Bill gave no sanction to any extra charge on the public.
§ Bill read 3o and passed.