HC Deb 16 June 1892 vol 5 cc1379-81

CONSIDERATION.

As amended, considered.

(11.17.) MR. SEXTON (Belfast, W.)

The Bill proposes that the Purchase Commissioners shall not receive their increase of salary until the Fair Rent Commissioners have cleared off their arrears of work. That is a very indefinite period; and as the right hon. Gentleman has expressed the opinion that the arrears might be cleared off in nine months, I would propose that the equalisation of the salaries should come into force on the 1st January of next year. I therefore move— In page 1, line 9, after the word "of," to insert the words "or after the first day of January, one thousand eight hundred and ninety-three, whichever date shall first occur.

Question proposed, "That those words be there inserted."

(11.19.) THE CHIEF SECRETARY FOR IRELAND (Mr. JACKSON,) Leeds, N.

What was contemplated in regard to this arrangement was that there should be an equalisation of work as well as an equalisation of salaries. I think it was also intended that the equalisation of salaries should take place from the date when the duties of the Commissioners should become interchangeable, or rather when the arrears had been overtaken both by the Fair Rent and the Purchase Commissioners. I would suggest that 1st June, 1893, would be a better date than 1st January. The 1st June is perhaps a somewhat sanguine estimate as to the period when the whole of the fair rent appeals will be cleared off, although they may be overtaken in less time; but there can be no doubt that the purchase arrears, as now shown by the Return which has been made to the House, are such that even by that date the Purchase Commissioners will be behind with their work. I think the suggested alteration is one which the hon. Member will accept, for it will give a considerable advantage to the Purchase Commissioners, as it anticipates the date probably by some months, if not by a year, when their work will have been brought up to date. I think the hon. Member will agree that I have not only considered his suggestion, but that I have met it in a reasonable and fair manner. I would venture now to suggest that it would perhaps be better, looking to the wording of the clause, if the Amendment should read— Or from or after the first day of June, one thousand eight hundred and ninety-three, whichever date should first happen. Perhaps the hon. Member will withdraw his Amendment, or alter it as I have suggested.

MR. SEXTON

The right hon. Gentleman, in referring to "arrears," has introduced a new term which is not covered by the Bill. I doubt whether his Amendment will confer all that it ought to confer on the senior Commissioners; but it is better than nothing, and I will therefore withdraw my Amendment in its favour.

Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.

MR. SPEAKER

I will now put the proposition in its amended form— Or from or after the first day of June, one thousand eight hundred and ninety-three, whichever date should first happen.

Question put, and agreed to.

Bill read the third time, and passed.