§ Order for Second Reading read.
§ MR. T. M. HEALY) (Longford, N.Seeing the First Lord of the Treasury in his place, I would ask him, seeing that this Bill is backed by a Conservative Member as well as Gentlemen on this side who, to some extent, represent the interests of the licensed traders in Ireland, and as the Government Bill entirely fails to carry out the pledge given by the Government in relation to the suspension of licences in Ireland being on the same footing as in England—though I am making no complaint about it now—I ask the right hon. Gentleman to allow this Bill to be read a second time, leaving the Government to introduce Amendments in such a way as will carry out their intention. I cannot conceive there will be any objection to the Second Reading in any part of the House. The hon. Member for S. Belfast is a strong Conservative, and his name is on the back of the Bill. I am happy to have his assistance, together with that of hon. Gentlemen who, more or less, represent the views of licensed victuallers.
§ THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY (Mr. W. H. SMITH,) Strand, WestminsterI have only myself seen the outside of the Bill, and have no knowledge of its contents. My right hon. Friend the Chief Secretary is not now in his place, and I think, therefore, I can hardly assent to the Second Reading in his absence. But I recognise the assistance which the hon. and learned Gentleman is anxious to give towards a settlement of this question, and I do not mean to say we shall not be very glad to avail ourselves of that assistance. If the hon. and learned Gentleman will consent to postpone the Motion for Second Reading for a day or two, we will meantime make 413 ourselves acquainted with the method he and his friends prefer, and endeavour, if possible, to reconcile it with the view we entertain as to how the matter should be dealt with.
§ MR. T. M. HEALYAccepting the assurance of the right hon. Gentleman, I will postpone the Order to Friday.
§ Second Reading deferred till Friday.