HC Deb 24 February 1887 vol 311 cc551-2

Bill read a second time, and committed to a Select Committee.

Motion made, and Question proposed, "That the Committee do consist of Five Members."—(Mr. Penrose Fitzgerald.)

MR. M. J. KENNY (Tyrone, Mid)

I do not know how many Members of the House are acquainted with this Bill; but I was a Member of the Select Committee which, about two years ago, fully discussed the question relating to this harbour. I think, Sir, that it would be well to have a somewhat larger Select Committee; and I hope the hon. Gentleman the Secretary to the Treasury (Mr. Jackson) will agree to my proposal of increasing the number of Members by two—that is to say, that the Committee should consist of seven Members.

THE SECRETARY TO THE TREASURY (Mr. JACKSON) (Leeds, N.)

As far as I know there is no charm in the numbers five or seven; but in this case we have followed what I believe is the usual rule with regard to the constitution of Select Committees. The hon. Member will know that all Select Committees on Railway Bills and other Bills consist of five Members, and, as I have said, we have simply followed the general rule of the House in this respect. The Bill is referred to the Committee for the purpose of enabling the authorities at Limerick to be heard before the Committee, and to state their case by counsel.

MR. M. J. KENNY

The Select Committee on the Shannon Navigation Question consisted of 10 Members. I hope the hon. Gentleman will see his way to accept the proposal that the present Committee should consist of seven Members.

Amendment proposed, to leave out the word "Five," in order to insert the word "Seven."—(Dr. Tanner.)

Question proposed, "That the word 'Five' stand part of the Question."

MR. JACKSON

I have no particular fancy in the matter for having five Members on this Committee. If the hon. Member wishes it to consist of seven Members we shall not object.

MR. M. J. KENNY

I think that with five Members it is impossible to have a fairly constituted Committee, and I repeat that the chance of having a fair Committee would be greatly enhanced if the number serving on it were increased. As the hon. Gentleman has intimated his willingness to agree to the proposal, I trust it will be adopted without further discussion.

MR. JACKSON

Our object being simply to give satisfaction, and as I have stated that I have no particular fancy that the Committee should consist of five Members, we accept the Amendment of the hon. Member.

Question put, and negatived.

Question, "That the word 'Seven' be there inserted," put, and agreed to:—

Seven inserted,

Ordered, That Four be nominated by the House, and Three 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 on their petitions, if they think fit, and Counsel heard in favour of the Bill. Ordered, That the Committee have power to send for persons, papers, and records.

Ordered, That Five be the quorum.