§ Bill considered in Committee.
§ (In the Committee.)
§ Clause 1.
§ THE SECRETARY TO THE TREASURY (Sir J. T. HIBBERT, Oldham)said, the Bill was to settle a legal doubt as to the application of the Housing of the Working Classes Act to Ireland. It was found that Town Commissioners could not borrow money for the purpose 237 of erecting houses for the working classes. Other authorities could do so, and the Bill was to give similar powers to Town Commissioners, and to make the law clear as to the powers of certain other authorities.
§ MR. MACARTNEY (Antrim, S.)said, the Bill was of far too great importance to be considered now. The Government should put it forward at a proper time.
§ SIR J. T. HIBBERTsaid, the Bill only settled a possible doubt with regard to the borrowing powers of certain authorities.
§ MR. MACARTNEYsaid, it brought in the question of burial rites and other matters.
§ SIR J. T. HIBBERTsaid, it merely dealt with the question of borrowing money for the erection of houses for the working classes. The Bill was brought in merely to make the law clear with regard to the power of certain Local Authorities to borrow, and the power of the Commissioners of Public Works to lend for the purpose in question. It had been carefully considered, and had been drawn by the Government draftsman.
§ MR. MACARTNEYsaid, he must object, because he had not heard anything satisfactory regarding the Bill.
§ MR. FIELD (Dublin, St. Patrick's)urged the hon. Member to withdraw his objection.
Objection being taken to further Proceeding, the Chairman left the Chair to make his report to the House.
§ Committee report Progress; to sit again To-morrow.