§ Order read, for resuming Adjourned Debate on Question [20th June], "That the Amendments made by The Lords to the Belfast Main Drainage Bill, be now taken into consideration."
§ Question again proposed.
§ Debate resumed.
§ MR. EWART (Belfast, N.)Before this Bill is finally disposed of, I will, with the permission of the House, make a few remarks as to the position of the promoters. A great deal of misapprehension exists as to their actions and intention. It has been stated, here and elsewhere, that they were opposed to the extension of the municipal franchise in Ireland; but than this nothing can be more incorrect, and the reverse of that is the truth of the matter. May I recall to the memory of the House the fact that my hon. Friend the Member for Mid Armagh (Sir James Corry), early in the Session, introduced a Bill for the assimilation of the municipal franchise in Ireland to that existing in England? That was a general Bill extending to all the boroughs of Ireland. That Bill met with opposition in a quarter from which the House might well be surprised to find it come; it was blocked by hon. Members below the Gangway on the other side.
§ MR. SEXTON (Belfast, W.)I would warn the hon. Member that these remarks of his may lead to prolonged debate if he continues thorn.
§ MR. EWARTI will not occupy the time of the House at length; but, in justice to myself and the promoters of the Bill, I feel bound to give some explanation why we to-day agree to these Amendments to this measure.
§ MR. SPEAKERI do not think a general review of the history of the Bill will be in Order.
§ Message to attend the Lords' Commissioners;—
§ The House went; and being returned;—
§ MR. SPEAKERreported the Royal Assent to several Bills.