HC Deb 04 December 1893 vol 19 cc363-4
COLONEL NOLAN (Galway, N.)

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland if the Government would early next Session introduce a small equalising Bill, which would enable the Irish labourer and others to obtain those facilities for holding small plots of ground which are at present, or will be at the close of the Session, enjoyed by the same classes in England, through the various Allotment Acts and Allotment Clauses?

MR. BRYCE (for Mr. J. MORLEY)

The hon. and gallant Gentleman speaks of a small equalising Bill, but the question of applying the provisions of the English Allotment Acts to Ireland is a large one, requiring serious consideration, and the Chief Secretary does not think he could properly deal with the matter in answer to a question at such short notice.

COLONEL NOLAN

How long a notice is required, then—a week?

MR. BRYCE

The hon. Member can repeat the question if he likes to do so; but, considering the complexity of the English Allotments Act, he can hardly expect a definite answer at present.

MR. FIELD (Dublin, St. Patrick's)

Is it the intention of the Government to-provide for the labouring classes in Ireland the same facilities that at present exist in England?

MR. BRYCE

The hope of the Government is that in due time the same facilities will be given in Ireland as in England.