§ MR. MELDONasked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Whether, having regard to the importance of the subject of local jurisdiction in bankruptcy in Ireland, he will withdraw the Local Courts of Bankruptcy (Ireland) Bill with the view of having the subject fully inquired into next Session by a Select Committee?
§ MR. W. E. FORSTERSir, the Question in effect is whether the Government will persevere this Session with the Local Courts of Bankruptcy (Ireland) Bill. Although that measure is very important, I am sorry to say that it is too late for us to hope to carry it this Session. The hon. and learned Member has, I think, almost secured that result by what he and some of his Friends have done. The Government are fully aware of the importance of the subject, and they intend, to introduce this or a similar Bill early next Session. I hope from what the hon. and learned Member has stated that there will be no objection to the course which the Government will be willing to adopt, and which they consider the best course—namely, to refer the Bill, on its second reading, to a Select Committee, so that hon. Members from Ireland, holding different views on the subject, may meet together and come to some satisfactory arrangement.