SECOND READING. (Hansard, 26 March 1885)

§ MR. SEXTON

said, he observed that the Bill proposed that the Lord Lieutenant might alter the free quota at the end of three years after the passing of the Act, and thereafter at each succeeding term of five years. He (Mr. Sexton) had had an opportunity of consulting the hon. Member for the City of Cork (Mr. Parnell) on the subject, and he found that the hon. Gentleman's intention in the debates which had taken place on the subject had been that the re-arrangement should be permanently triennial. He (Mr. Sexton) hoped the right hon. Gentleman the Chief Secretary would see his way to alter the Bill in that direction. For the convenience of hon. Members who took an interest in this subject, if the Committee stage of the Bill were fixed for a day before Easter, it should be not earlier than Monday next.

§ MR. CAMPBELL - BANNERMAN

said, he had been a little at a loss to know whether the understanding was that the period at which the free quota might be altered was every three years or every five years. He had thought the hon. Member for the City of Cork (Mr. Parnell) had meant that the first alteration should be throe years after the last settlement. The hon. Member opposite (Mr. Sexton) would have it this year instead of two years hence. He (Mr. Campbell-Bannerman) did not see what advantage there would be in fixing the period at every three years. It would be inconvenient to disturb the arrangements so often. However, it was not a matter of much importance when it took place, provided it were decided that it should be done. He would see what could be done, and would inquire whether there was any objection to making the period every three years. He would fix the Committee stage of the Bill for Monday.