§ SIR CHARLES W. DILKEsaid, that he desired to make a statement to the House with reference to the course of Business. He had already informed the House, and the Attorney General had likewise done so, that the Registration Bills were extremely pressing. They were even more pressing for the moment than the Redistribution Bill, and they must make some progress with regard to them, because of the necessity to proceed with the voting lists. The duties imposed on the officers in consequence of the delay which had taken place were very great. Therefore, on Friday, it was proposed to go forward with the Irish Registration Bill, the Scotch Bill being placed second. They had intended 1081 to place all the three Bills for Friday; but serious and very natural objections had been taken to setting down the English measure for that day.
§ SIR MICHAEL HICKS-BEACHsaid, the House would remember, with reference to the question of transferring the cost of preparing the voters' lists from local rates to Imperial taxation, that after the vote which was given the other night the Prime Minister stated that the Government must take time to consider what course they should pursue, and he wished to ask whether that point would be again brought up during the progress of the Irish Registration Bill through Committee?
§ SIR CHARLES W. DILKEsaid, he did not think the point would be raised in Committee on the Irish Bill. He thought it would first come before the House in Committee on the English Bill, if raised by opponents of the present system, or it would come up on the Report of the Irish Bill.
§ SIR MICHAEL HICKS -BEACHThen the Government do not intend to move any Amendment which would have the effect of reversing the decision arrived at the other evening?
§ SIR CHARLES W. DILKEI am not aware of any such intention on the part of the Solicitor General for Ireland, or of the Irish authorities; and I think that if they had had any such intention, I should have heard of it.
§ MR. PARNELLasked that instructions similar to those in the English Bill might be inserted in the Irish Registration Bill; also, if it would be convenient for the right hon. Baronet (Sir Charles W. Dilke)to be in the House on Friday, in order to assist the Irish officials during the discussion of the Irish Bill? He was sure if the right hon. Baronet could find time to be in the House, the result would be better progress and much greater harmony.
§ SIR CHARLES W. DILKEwas understood to say that it would not be in Order for him to discuss that question.
§ COLONEL NOLANwished to know when the English Bill would come on?
§ SIR CHARLES W. DILKEThat must depend to some extent on the progress made with the Irish Bill.
§ House adjourned at five minutes before Six o'clock.