SECOND READING. (Hansard, 15 March 1880)

§ MR. MELDON
said, that he had a few observations to address to the House. He would move, as an Amendment to the Motion proposed from the Chair— That it is inexpedient to proceed with any legislation at this period except such as is absolutely necessary for the government of the country. He said he took this course unwillingly, on account of the policy of exasperation which had been carried on by the present Parliament. Most of the Irish Members were now amongst their constituencies, and there were not more than half-a-dozen remaining in London. Some short time since it had been arranged that no Business should be transacted except what was absolutely necessary; and, in fulfilment of the pledge, the Government had withdrawn most important and pressing legislation that had been before the House, yet, notwithstanding, they had persisted in keeping before the House many measures which it was by no means necessary to pass, and which were highly interesting to Irish Members. He was referring, amongst others, to the Local Courts of Ireland (Bankruptcy) Bill, which, he was sorry to see, was being pressed on at that late stage in the proceedings, and which was opposed by nearly all his Irish Colleagues.

§ MR. SPEAKER
The terms of the Amendment before the House have no reference to the Business before the House.

§ MR. MELDON
said, he would bow to the decision of the Chair. He would raise the question at a later stage of the Bill—the Local Courts of Ireland (Bankruptcy) Bill.

§ MR. CALLAN
said, he hoped that the right hon. and learned Gentleman the Attorney General for Ireland would ease the minds of himself and his Colleagues by yielding to the wish generally expressed by Irish Members not to proceed at this late stage in the Session with any unnecessary legislation referring to Ireland.

§ THE ATTORNEY GENERAL FOR IRELAND (Mr. GIBSON)
said, it would be impossible, with due regard to the convenience of hon. Members, to attempt to carry the Bill through its remaining stages; and, therefore, he proposed to move that the Order be discharged. It was the intention of the Government to re-introduce it at the earliest possible period in the new Parliament.

§ MR. SPEAKER
said, he must point out that the House was discussing the second reading of the Consolidated Fund (Appropriation) Bill.