HC Deb 02 September 1887 vol 320 cc921-2
MR. T. M. HEALY (Longford, N.)

asked, If it was intended to take the Supplemental Estimates, or go on with them in their order, and also did the First Lord of the Treasury intend to make any statement with regard to the course of Business?

THE FIRST LORD (Mr. W. H. SMITH) (Strand, Westminster)

said, it was intended to take the Estimates in the order in which they stood. With regard to the measures in which the hon. and learned Member was interested, he might say it was not the intention of the Government to persevere with the Ulster Canal and Tyrone Navigation Bill and several other Irish Bill, and they were not on the Paper to-night.

MR. SEXTON (Belfast, W.)

I would ask the right hon. Gentleman why it is that he has determined not to proceed with the Ulster Canal and Tyrone Navigation Bill?

MR. W. H. SMITH

Simply on the ground that it is so opposed by the hon. Gentleman's Friends as to render it exceedingly improbable that we would be able to pass it at this late period of the Session. If it is read a second time it must be referred to a Select Committee; and the hon. Gentleman can easily understand that, under these circumstances, it is impossible to go on with the Bill at this period of the Session.

MR. SEXTON

Has the right hon. Gentleman taken the trouble to ascer- tain how many of the Representatives of Ireland are opposed to this Bill, and particularly how many of the Irish Members connected with the Province of Ulster are opposed to it?

MR. W. H. SMITH

I have taken the trouble to satisfy myself that it will he met with violent opposition, which, I think, we ought not to ask the House to encounter at this period of the Session. I would point out, however, that it is open to the Government to introduce the Bill early next Session.

MR. DEASY (Mayo, W.)

asked, whether the Distressed Unions (Ireland) Bill was one of the Bills the Government intended to drop?

THE CHIEF SECRETARY FOR IRELAND (Mr. A. J. BALFOUR) (Manchester, E.)

I have not much to add to what I have already said as to this Bill and the Municipal Regulation (Constabulary, &c.) (Belfast) Bill. I have no intention, because I believe it is impossible, to force these Bills through against the determined opposition of any section of the House. I have no grounds for believing that the opposition which has been announced has in any way relaxed and therefore practically the hon. Member must regard the Bill as dead.