§ THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY (Mr. W. H. SMITH) (Strand, Westminster)Before we proceed to consider the Orders of the Day, I wish to refer to the state of Public Business, and to ask the attention of right hon. Gentlemen and hon. Gentlemen opposite below the Gangway. I have already stated to the House that it will be absolutely necessary that we should go into Committee of Supply in the early part of next week. As I believe that right hon. and hon. Gentlemen, opposite are most desirous that the Irish Land Law Bill should be speedily passed, I wish to appeal, with the most perfect good faith and good feeling, to them to assist the House and the Government in proceeding with the consideration of the Bill in Committee with as great rapidity as is compatible with the very important considerations that are involved within the four corners of the measure. It is, I am sure, the desire of the House that the Bill should be speedily passed into law. The Bill restrains, or it is intended to restrain, any cruel or harsh action on the part of the landlord, and it must be obvious that delay—and serious delay—puts it in the power of those who wish to deal harshly with their tenants to do so. That is only one argument which I might use to hon. Gentlemen. But the state of Business, the period of the Session, and the circumstances under which we are placed, will make it exceedingly difficult to carry the Bill into law unless it is passed through Committee in the very earliest day of next week. I use no throat and make use of no word of menace. I am most anxious that it should be passed, and I ask the assistance of all who are desirous that it should be passed, in order that delays 390 which may have the most serious effect upon the Bill may not take place.
§ SIR WILLIAM HARCOURT (Derby)I am sure that there will be every feeling on this side of the House—both above and below the Gangway—to do everything to expedite the passing of this Bill, consistently, of course, with the fair and full discussion of the very important matters contained in it. I hope that the Bill may be passed at an early period; but that must depend, of course, upon the nature of the questions which arise. The urgency of Supply will not interfere with the proper discussion of this Bill. The Government, if they want any Vote in Supply, can take it any day. Therefore, I hope that the discussion on this Bill may go on. We have only been considering the Bill in Committee for three days, and a great deal has been done in that time. I do not think that hitherto there has been any undue discussion, and I hope that the Bill will progress in that manner.