HC Deb 10 May 1866 vol 183 cc739-40

Order for Second Reading read.

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

GENERAL DUNNE

said, he thought it would have a good effect in Ireland if the hon. Gentleman would state the object of the Bill, as to which there appeared to be some misapprehension.

MR. CHILDERS

said, the Committee on Irish Taxation reported that some doubt existed whether a charge of £5,000 on the Consolidated Fund for the purpose of fishery piers and harbours still existed. Careful inquiry was made into the subject, and the opinion of the Attorney and Solicitor General being that the supposed charge on the Consolidated Fund for Irish fisheries did not exist, the Government determined to introduce a Bill to continue to a certain extent provision for Irish fishery piers and harbours. This Bill proposed to increase the maximum sum which could be granted in any individual case from £5,000 to £7,500; and if it passed, a supplementary Estimate would be proposed for the purpose.

MR. GREGORY

did not think that the increase of the sums from £5,000 to £7,500 would cancel the arrears, which he calculated at £148,000. He would ask whether, if this claim were given up, part of the sum could be advanced by way of loan to the fishery societies for the purpose of enabling them to lend out money for the construction of fishing vessels?

MR. CHICHESTER FORTESCUE

said, the Government had been distinctly advised by the Law Officers that no such claim could be made.

Motion agreed to.

Question put, and agreed to.

Bill read a second time, and committed for To-morrow.