HC Deb 30 May 1889 vol 336 cc1515-6

Order read, for resuming Adjourned Debate on Question [15th April], "That the Bill be now read a second time."

Question again proposed.

MR. T. M. HEALY (Longford, N.)

I trust that my hon. Friend who is in charge of this Bill, which in my opinion, is a useful measure so far as it goes, will do something to widen its scope. I object to it in its present narrow sense; and I should like to see it so extended that if a man occupies a house for twelve months before his case comes before the Revising Barrister, he shall be entitled to his vote. Surely the hon. Member can have no objection to that proposal.

MR. WHITMORE (Chelsea)

My Bill applies to householders who are disqualified by reason of absence from home doing service for the Crown.

MR. T. M. HEALY

If a man has been a ratepayer in a city, and occupied a house for twelve months, why, in the name of goodness, should that man be deprived of his vote, especially when his absence is compulsory? The rates have to be paid during his absence. I want the law on this point which runs in England to be applied to Ireland.

THE ATTORNEY GENERAL (Sir R. WEBSTER, Isle of Wight)

I have not had an opportunity of considering the question of the effect of this Bill on Ireland, and if the hon. Member will allow his objection to stand over, I will undertake to consult with the Solicitor General for Ireland, and see whether or not it can be made to extend to Ireland.

Question put and agreed to.

Bill read a second time and committed for Monday, 17th June.