§ MR. T. A. DICKSONasked the First Lord of the Treasury, Whether, for the convenience of Irish. Members, he will fix a day for the Second Reading of the Sale of Intoxicating Liquors on Sunday (Ireland) Bill before the House adjourns for the Whitsuntide holidays?
§ MR. O'SULLIVANBefore the right hon. Gentleman answers that Question, I would ask him if he is aware that the only Petitions presented in favour of the Bill during this Session was one from a society called the Rechabites of Belfast, and another from the Aldermen of the Royal Burgh of Montrose in Scotland; and if he considers those Petitions valuable Irish opinion?
§ MR. M. BROOKSMay I also ask, whether he is aware that the Corporation of the City of Dublin have presented a Petition against the Bill, which has been presented at the Bar of the House by the Lord Mayor?
MR. GLADSTONEI am afraid, Sir, owing to the distractions of other Business, that my attention has not been particularly drawn to those points, which are, no doubt, suitable matters for comment in debate. It is intended to place the Merchant Shipping Bill as the first Order for Monday, and the Irish Sunday Closing Bill as the second Order. As the hon. Member's Question includes a reference to the Whitsuntide holidays, I may as well say that what we should propose, as being probably the best for the convenience of the House relative to the necessities of Business, is that the House should adjourn on Tuesday week until Thursday of the following week.