Mr. E. SMYTHasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland, Whether he is prepared to lay upon the Table the Amendments to be proposed by the Government to the Sale of Intoxicating Liquors on Sunday (Ireland) Bill, which stands for Committee on Wednesday?
§ SIR MICHAEL HICKS-BEACHLast Wednesday I stated to the House, on the part of the Government, my reasons for assenting to the second reading of this Bill; but, in order to avoid any misapprehension, I added that, in my opinion, it ought not to become law in its present shape, and that if it were further proceeded with this Session, it 1525 would be my duty to propose certain Amendments. Those Amendments necessarily would be of considerable importance, and from what was stated in the course of the debate on the second reading, it is quite clear that several hon. Members desired, if not to oppose the principle of the Bill, at any rate to discuss it thoroughly during its further progress, so that it is clear the measure could not be proceeded with this year unless the hon. Member can secure an opportunity for its full discussion in Committee. He tells me that the Bill stands for Committee to-morrow; but when I refer to the Order Book, I find no less than 11 Bills, some of considerable importance, taking precedence of the Sale of Intoxicating Liquors on Sunday (Ireland) Bill; and although the hon. Member was most successful in persuading three hon. Members on Wednesday last to withdraw their Bills in favour of his measure, I think he is hardly likely to be equally successful with all the 11 Members who have charge of the 11 Bills on the Paper. Therefore, I do not think it is reasonable to calculate that there is any fair prospect of proceeding with this Bill tomorrow. If it should appear that there is any such fair prospect, it will be my duty to put the Amendments on the Paper; but looking to the importance of the question I do not think any useful purpose would be served by placing the Amendments on the Paper now.