§ Bill considered in Committee.
§ (In the Committee.)
§ Clause 1.
§ (11.55.) MR. SEXTON (Belfast, W.)I have pointed out that among the 16 Gentleman named there is no Irish Representative, and I gather from the speech of the Chancellor of the Exchequer that he is not unwilling to amend a flagrant omission, and, therefore, I move the first of two names of which I have given notice, that of Mr. Thomas Redington. He is a gentleman well-known, Deputy Lieutenant of the County of Galway, a member of the Royal Commission on Piers and Harbours, and in every way fully qualified.
§ Amendment proposed, in page 1, line 27, after the word "esquire," to insert the words "Christopher Thomas Redington, esquire."
§ Question proposed, "That the words 'Christopher Thomas Redington, esquire,' be there inserted."
§ (11.57.) THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER (Mr. GOSCHEN,) St. George's, Hanover SquareIt is impossible for me now to accept a name at such short notice. There has been no time for me to consider the point or to communicate with other gentlemen whose names have been suggested. It 836 would be necessary also to communicate with the gentleman nominated.
§ MR. SEXTONThe right hon. Gentleman has given no intelligible reason for refusing the Amendment. As soon as the Bill was printed, and I had the opportunity of examining it, I gave notice of my Amendment. The right hon. Gentleman has not said a word, nor I suppose does he find himself able to say a word, against the gentleman I have named. His qualifications must be, I think, known to the Chief Secretary. I shall feel it my duty to press both names to a Division.
§ MR. GOSCHENI am sorry that the hon. Gentleman thinks it necessary to press the point. I have no information from the gentleman himself as to his willingness to serve. I have no doubt he is well qualified, but I would ask the hon. Member not to press the matter now. I do not know how far it is desirable that names should be added, but I cannot accept the Motion now, and the hon. Member, if he insists, may prejudice his own case and create a false impression.
§ MR. STOREY (Sunderland)I think, Sir——
§ It being Midnight, the Chairman left the Chair to make his Report to the House.
§ Committee report Progress; to sit again up on Monday next