HC Deb 08 April 1884 vol 287 cc116-7

Motion made, and Question proposed, That leave be given to bring in a Bill to amend 'The Public Health Act, 1875,' so far as relates to the confirmation of bye laws."— (Mr. George Russell.)

MR. GRAY

asked whether some explanation could not be given of the character of this Bill? Why was it proposed to amend the English Act of 1875 without amending the corresponding Acts for Ireland and Scotland?

MR. GEORGE RUSSELL

said, he had not intended to give any description of the Bill now, and would rather have reserved it for Committee. The Bill had been brought in in consequence of the decision of a Court of Law, who had given their view of the legal aspect of the question, and had made it appear that as the law now stood these bye-laws did not require the confirmation of the Local Government Board, which, up to the present time, had been thought necessary. The object of the Bill was to give the force of law to bye-laws which had already been passed, and to remove any doubt on the subject.

MR. GRAY

said, he wished to point out that the same necessity would arise under the corresponding legislation for Ireland and Scotland, and he objected to this species of piecemeal legislation altogether. The hon. Gentleman ought to make himself thoroughly acquainted with the subject, and to be sure, before he brought in his Bill, that precisely the same condition of affairs, whatever it might be, did not exist in connection with the Irish law. He would ask the hon. Gentleman to delay the introduction of the Bill until he had made himself acquainted with the entire condition of the law on the subject.

MR. GEORGE RUSSELL

said, that in the meantime it was necessary for the Bill to be introduced.

Question put, and agreed to.

Bill ordered to be brought in by Mr. GEORGE RUSSELL, Sir CHARLES W. DILKE, and Mr. HIBBERT.

Bill presented, and read the first time. [Bill 173.]