§ Motion made, and Question proposed, "That the Select Committee on Industries (Ireland) do consist of Twenty-one Members."—[Sir Eardley Wilmot.)
1298§ MR. JOHN REDMONDsaid, he rose to move, as an Amendment, "That the Committee consist of Twenty-three Members." He regretted that no Member of the Government was present, because he believed Irish Members on those Benches had been treated rather badly with reference to the nomination of this Committee; and for that he thought the hon. Baronet who moved its appointment (Sir Eardley Wilmot) was himself somewhat to be blamed. This was a proposal to deal with Irish matters; and how was the Committee to be constituted? There were nominated 10 English and Scotch Members, the remainder being Irish Members, who, however, were not selected fairly from amongst Irish Parties in the House. For instance, there were only four Members representing the opinions held by hon. Gentlemen on those Benches, while there were no less than seven Irish Members who represented the Whig and Tory factions. He ventured to appeal to the Government not to have any wrangling over this matter; but to consent to the appointment of a Committee of 23 instead of 21. In the event of the Amendment being agreed to, he should propose that his hon. Friends (Mr. Molloy and Mr. Kenny) be Members of the Committee. He and his hon. Friends felt it their duty to take up a determined attitude with reference to this question, with the object of their views obtaining full and fair representation on the Committee.
§ Amendment proposed, to leave out the words Twenty-one, in order to insert the words "Twenty-three,"—[Mr John Redmond,)—instead thereof.
§ Question proposed, "That the words 'Twenty-one' stand part of the Question."
§ Notice taken, that 10 Members were not present; House counted, and 40 Members not being present,
§ House adjourned at a quarter before One o'clock.