HC Deb 19 April 1861 vol 162 c859
MR. COWPER

moved the following gentlemen as a Select Committee on the Public Offices Extension Bill:—Mr. Cowper, Sir William Dunbar, Lord John Manners, Sir Stafford Northcote, Sir John Shelley, Viscount Enfield, and three Members to be nominated by the Committee of Selection.

MR. VINCENT SCULLY

said, he must protest against the exclusion of Irish Members, unless, indeed, it was intended that Ireland should not contribute to the new offices. If that system was to be adopted, let the Irish Members meet on separate days and manage the affairs of their country by themselves, and let them not be outvoted by hon. Members brought up from smoking rooms and coal-holes.

COLONEL DUNNE

said, he wished to inquire whether it was really intended to repeal the Union by their constant refusal to put Irish Members upon the Committee. The conduct of the Government in this respect was an insult to Ireland.

MR. COWPER

said, this Bill was what was called a hybrid one—that was a public Bill for a private purpose. It was for a very simple object—that of authorizing the purchase of four houses in Westminster. If he had had any idea that Irish Gentlemen would be willing to serve on it, he should have been happy to place on it two, or three, or four Irish Members.

COLONEL FRENCH

said, that notwithstanding the right hon. Gentleman's explanation, he must add his complaint to that of the other hon. Members of the studied exclusion of Irish Members from the business of the House.

MR. HENNESSY

asked for a more distinct pledge from the right hon. Gentleman that some Irish Members should be appointed.

VISCOUNT PALMERSTON

suggested, that two at least of the five Members hereafter to be nominated by the Committee of selection should be Irish Members, to be named by the hon. Gentleman.

Select Committee on Public Offices Extension Bill nominated:— Mr. COWPER, Sir WILLIAM DUNBAR, Lord JOHN MANNER Sir STAFFORD NORTHCOTER Sir SHELLEY Viscount ENFILED; and three Members to be nominated by the Committee of Selection:—Five to be the quorum.

House adjourned at Twelve o'clock till Monday next.