HC Deb 15 May 1890 vol 344 cc1059-60

Order for Second Reading read.

MR. T. M. HEALY

I wish to ask the Government what they intend to do with regard to this Bill after the Second Reading of the Local Taxation Bill to-night? They promised, as I understand, to recommit that Bill pro formâ with regard to Ireland. I would submit that it is desirable to have the Irish Bill separate and distinct from the English Bill, and that the Government clauses should be tacked on to the former. I merely proffer the measure as a general outline, which is subject to amendment. I want to know whether the Government are in earnest in regard to the suspension of new licences. All parties in Ireland are agreed in supporting my measure, and I would suggest that this Bill should be read a second time to-night, if only pro formâ. I beg to move the Second Reading.

Motion made, and Question proposed, "That the Bill be now read a second time."—(Mr. T. M. Healy.)

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

I have not the slightest objection to the principle of the Bill, though I am somewhat surprised that the hon. and learned Gentleman should have thought it necessary to bring it forward. The omission of Ireland from the Government measure was purely a matter of accident, and, as far as I am aware, it is not even necessary to recommit the Bill pro formâ in order to introduce an Amendment.

MR. T. M. HEALY

But that promise was made distinctly by the First Lord of the Treasury.

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

I do not know what my right hon. Friend may have said; but, at all events, the substance of what he said, and what I now say, is identical—that Ireland should share to the full in the advantages now given to England and Scotland with regard to the non-granting of new licences. Under these circumstances, I think it is hardly worth while for the hon. Gentleman to put the House to the trouble of deciding this question. I have, however, not the slightest objection to his Bill running pari passu with the Government measure, and I do not object to the Second Reading.

Question put, and agreed to.

Bill read a second time and committed for to-morrow.