HC Deb 13 May 1890 vol 344 cc875-6

Order for Second Reading read.

*THE ATTORNEY GENERAL FOR IRELAND (Mr. MADDEN,) Dublin University

I object.

MR. SEXTON) (Belfast, W.

Does the Attorney General for Ireland object to the principle of this Bill? At present the occupation of 3,000chemists and druggists is illegal, and this Bill aims at remedying the flaw in the law to which that condition of things is due.

*MR. MADDEN

I am not prepared to say that I object to the principle of the Bill; but I do object to a Bill of this kind, on which there is a difference of opinion amongst those who are best qualified to form an opinion on it, being taken at a time when it cannot be discussed, and before there has been time fully to consider its provisions.

DR. TANNER

I would ask the right hon. and learned Gentleman if he would take steps to ascertain what the difference of opinion on this Bill really is amongst those best qualified to judge, so that when it comes on again he may give us his most valuable assistance. So far as I have been able to ascertain from the Medical Profession in Ireland there is no objection to the Bill.

*MR. MADDEN

I have a number of objections under my consideration at this moment. I, however, recognise that the subject is one which should be dealt with by legislation.

MR. SEXTON

The right hon. and learned Gentleman recognises the necessity for the Bill; therefore, as a consequence, he admits the principle of the Bill.

*MR. MADDEN

I recognise the necessity for some Bill.

MR. SEXTON

Will he afford facilities for the Bill to be discussed, seeing that 3,000 traders are at the present moment outlawed.

*MR. MADDEN

I conceive it to be my duty not to allow the Bill to be taken at present. I cannot hold out any hope that exceptional facilities will be afforded for the consideration of the Bill.

Second Reading deferred till Thursday.