HC Deb 16 June 1862 vol 167 cc667-8

Order read, for resuming Adjourned Debate on Question [15th May], "That the Bill be now read a second time."

Question again proposed.

LORD EDWIN HILL

moved, as an Amendment, that the Bill be read a second time that day three months.

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

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

SIR FREDERICK HEYGATE

was opposed to the principle of superannuations generally, but thought this Bill ought to be passed, being merely permissive.

COLONEL DUNNE

thought this Bill the very worst in the category of Irish measures. The Poor Law seemed to be made the favourite engine of wringing money in every way from the Irish taxpayers, and, looking to the present amount of the rates, he looked with alarm to the coming winter.

SIR ROBERT PEEL

said, the Bill had not originated with the Government, but with the Select Committee of last year; seventy-one boards of guardians in Ireland petitioned the Government to bring forward such a Bill, and only twelve raised their voices against it. Three of the most important unions had written to him by their chairman, urging the adoption of the measure as one of economy. The Bill would certainly necessitate the raising of a permanent fund of £153,000. If the Irish Members thought that amount excessive, he should be very glad to get rid of the responsibility of the Bill, but he did not feel himself at liberty to withdraw it without some marked expression of feeling on the part of the House.

MR. HENNESSY

hoped the measure would be proceeded with. It was one in favour of which a strong public feeling existed, and was calculated, he thought, to have a most beneficial effect.

LORD JOHN BROWNE

said, it was unfair towards Poor Law Officers to cast them adrift at the end of their days without any provision.

MR. MACEVOY

observed, that there was no superannuation for Poor Law Officers in England.

MR. SCULLY

said he represented a very large county, and had never been asked to present a petition from that county for superannuation such as that proposed by this Bill. He should like to see this measure introduced at Tamworth, in the first instance, by way of experiment.

MR. H. A. HERBERT

recommended the Chief Secretary for Ireland to withdraw the Bill, in order that boards of guardians might have time to consider what its effects would be.

LORD NAAS

recommended that the Bill should be postponed for another year, though he was himself in favour of the principle of superannuation.

SIR ROBERT PEEL

said, as almost every Member, except the hon. Member for King's County, was opposed to his pressing the Bill, he would consent to withdraw it.

Amendment and Motion, by leave, withdrawn

Bill withdrawn.

House adjourned at a quarter before Two o'clock