§ Mr. R. SMYTHasked Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, Whether it is the intention of the Government to introduce a Bill to give effect to the Resolution of this House on the subject of the sale of Intoxicating Liquors on Sunday in Ireland?
§ THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUERIt will be in the recollection of the House that in the course of the discussion to which the hon. Gentleman refers an offer was made by the Government that in the event of that Motion not being pressed they would introduce a Bill during the present Session for shortening the hours during which public-houses are permitted to remain open in Ireland on Sundays. That proposal, 921 however, was not accepted, and the House, by a large majority, affirmed the principle of the Resolution for total Sunday closing. In these circumstances the hon. Gentleman asks whether it is the intention of the Government to introduce a Bill to give effect to that Resolution. Well, Sir, the very large amount of Government Business on the Paper, and remaining to be disposed of, would in any case make it very difficult for us to deal with the question during the present Session; and, considering that the Resolution was opposed by the Government, and that the matter is one which involves a good deal of practical difficulty, we think it is but reasonable that time should be given for consideration and inquiry, in order that we may decide on the course we ought to adopt.