MR. SULLIVANasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland, Whether, in view of the application to Parliament of the Municipal Council of Dublin for an enabling Bill to effect certain reforms and improvements in that city, it is the intention of Government to facilitate the purpose of the said Council by aiding special legislation for Dublin, or by introducing a general measure for improved powers of local government in Ireland?
§ SIR MICHAEL HICKS-BEACHSir, I believe that the application of the Municipal Council of Dublin to Parliament is for a local improvement Bill. I know of no reason why Parliament should interfere in private legislation for the City of Dublin any more than for any other municipality of the United Kingdom. With regard to the second part of the hon. Member's Question, whether the Government intend to aid the purpose of the Council by the introduction of a general measure for improved powers of local government in Ireland, that is a question of' a wide and indefinite character. The hon. Member is aware that a local inquiry has been in progress in Ireland in relation to the subject of local government and taxation of towns, and when that inquiry has been completed, it is probable the Government will introduce some legislation on the subject.