§ MR. JOHNSTON (Belfast, S.)I beg to ask the Attorney General for Ireland if it is his intention, this Session, to introduce a Bill to regulate the trade of pawnbrokers in Ireland, with a view of shortening the hours of labour in pawn-broking establishments?
§ MR. MADDENYes, Sir; a Bill dealing with the Law of Pawnbroking is in course of preparation under my directions. I am not able to say how far, if at all, it will be possible to deal with the special matter referred to in the question. I shall be glad to consider suggestions from any hon. Members who may take an interest in the subject.
§ MR. SEXTON (Belfast, W.)Does the right hon. Gentleman propose to assimilate the law in Ireland to that which now exists in England?
§ MR. MADDENThe Bill is a measure to consolidate and amend the law in Ireland which at present is in an unsatisfactory state, and, so far as is practicable, to assimilate it to the English law.