§
Motion made, and Question proposed,
That the Select Committee on the Ulster Canal and Tyrone Navigation Bill do consist of Nine Members, Five to be nominated by the House and Four by the Committee of Selection."—(Mr. Henry H. Fowler.)
§ MR. BIGGAR (Cavan, W.)I have an Amendment to propose to this Motion. I think it would be more satisfactory that the Committee should consist of nine Irish Members, and that they should be selected by this House. My proposal is to leave out all the words after the word "Members," in order to add the words "to be nominated by the House."
§ Amendment proposed, to leave out the word "five."—(Mr. Biggar.)
§ Question proposed, "That the word 'five' stand part of the Question."
§ THE SECRETARY TO THE TREASURY (Mr. HENRY H. FOWLER) (Wolverhampton, E.)I understand that the invariable practice of this House has been, with reference to the appointment of Select Committees, that a certain proportion of the Committee should be appointed by the House, and the remainder by that impartial tribunal on which devolves the appointment of Committees to deal with Private Bills. The House will agree, I think, that the Committee of Selection have always discharged their duties with impartiality. We shall endeavour to consult the views of Irish Members in naming the five Members, of whom, it is the intention of the Government, that four should be Members from Ireland. I myself will be the fifth; and I have no doubt whatever that the four other Members selected will be Gentlemen upon whose impartiality full reliance can be placed. Having offered these few words of explanation, I hope the hon. Member for Cavan will not think it necessary to press his Motion.
§ Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.
§ Main Question put.
1031§ Ordered, That the Select Committee on the Ulster Canal and Tyrone Navigation Bill do consist of Nine Members, Five to be nominated by the House and Four by the Committee of Selection.
§ Ordered, That all Petitions against the Bill presented not later than three clear days before the sitting of the Committee be referred to the Committee, and that such of the Petitioners as pray to be heard by themselves, their Counsel, Agents, or Witnesses be heard upon their Petitions, if they think fit, and Counsel heard in favour of the Bill against such Petitions.
§ Ordered, That the Committee have power to send for persons, papers, and records.
§ Ordered, That Three be the quorum of the Committee.—(Mr. Henry S. Fowler.)
§ House adjourned at One o'clock.