§ Order for Second Reading read.
§ Motion made, and Question proposed, "That the Bill be now read a second time."—(Mr. Childers.)
§ MR. CHILDERSstated that its objects were similar to those sought to be effected by a measure of the same character already passed referring to England. In the present Bill, however, were introduced such modifications as were suitable to the country.
§ GENERAL DUNNEthought that the Bill was a monstrous one. It would, he believed, be attended with mischief to allow the corporations in Ireland to enter into speculations in the manner proposed.
§ MR. CHICHESTER FORTESCUEbelieved that the Bill would be exceedingly beneficial to Ireland, where the dwellings of the labouring classes were open to greater improvement than they were even in England.
§ MR. GEORGEsaid, he would not oppose the second reading of the Bill, though he deprecated the way in which Irish business was treated in the House, Bills in which Irish Members were interested being brought on for discussion late at night, and being oftentimes read a second time before Members concerned in such matters had had an opportunity of ascertaining their principles.
MR. ESMONDE, as a proprietor of some town property in Ireland, believed that the Bill would be found beneficial in its operation.
§ Motion agreed to.
§ Bill read a second time and committed for Thursday.