§ Order for Consideration of Lords Reasons and Amendments read.
§ MR. GILHOOLY (Cork, W.)I wish to complain of the manner in which the Lords have dealt with this Bill. It was a measure that contained no contentious matter; it was one to which no exception was taken in any part of the House, and to which the House has devoted a great deal of its time. The Lords have, in the exercise of their undoubted rights, inserted Amendments in it which render it practically useless. It is not very hopeful for Irish Members to endeavour to get legislative measures passed in this country when noble Lords have power to veto, mutilate, and destroy the Bills unanimously passed by this House. I would direct the attention of hon. Gentlemen below the Gangway opposite to the action of noble Lords in this matter. The Bill does not concern those hon. Members; but there is a principle involved in this question which does concern them. They desire to pass measures for the benefit of the people of this country, and it will be well for them to take cognizance of the fact that the Lords have power to destroy such measures, and that the sooner they are deprived of that power the better it will be for the toiling masses of the country. I move that the Lords Reasons and Amendments be taken into consideration this day six months.
§ Motion made, and Question, "That the Consideration of Lords Reasons and Amendments be put off six months,"—(Mr. Gilhooly,)—put, and agreed to.