HC Deb 26 April 1877 vol 233 cc1942-3
MR. M'CARTHY DOWNING

asked Mr. Attorney General for Ireland, If it is the intention of the Government to proceed with the County Officers and Courts (Ireland) Bill with a view to its passing; if so, when the House may reasonably expect the Second Reading may be moved?

THE ATTORNEY GENERAL FOR IRELAND (Mr. GIBSON),

in reply, said, that the Government certainly intended to proceed with the Bill, but he could not state at present when the second reading would be taken. He should proceed with it whenever he had the opportunity, but he hardly expected to have that opportunity until the Universities Bill had passed through Committee.

MR. M'CARTHY DOWNING

wished to know, why the County Courts and Officers (Ireland) Bill had been put down in the Orders day after day if the Attorney General knew that he could not bring it on before the University Bill was passed?

THE ATTORNEY GENERAL FOR IRELAND (Mr. GIBSON)

said, the Notice was placed on the Paper in the usual course, with the intention of taking the Bill if an opportunity occurred. It clearly would not be taken that evening, as he did not think it could be reached. He was sorry if the hon. Member had been inconvenienced by its appearing on the Notice Paper, and he would promise him that it should not appear for the rest of the week.