HC Deb 19 August 1895 vol 36 cc277-8
MR. JOHN REDMOND (Waterford)

said, he wished to put a question to the Leader of the House with regard to the Notice of Motion standing in the right hon. Gentleman's name as to the business of the House. If the Motion were carried as it stood, it would prevent him from proceeding with the Motion he had on the Paper as to the introduction of a Bill dealing with evicted tenants in Ireland. The Chief Secretary had stated that the Government objected to anything in the nature of contentious legislation on the subject being introduced this Session, but would be prepared to favourably consider any non-contentious proposal. In consequence of that he gave notice of his Motion for leave to introduce a Bill to re-enact the 13th Clause of the Land Act of 1891, which he thought everyone would admit would be a non-contentious Bill. He handed in this Notice of Motion before the right hon. Gentleman handed in his, and he wished to ask him whether, on behalf of the Government, he could see his way to make an exception of his Bill, so as to enable the House by a non-contentious measure to deal with a limited portion of the question of the evicted tenants in Ireland.

THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY

replied, that he thought to permit the hon. Member alone among private Members to introduce his Bill would be extremely inconvenient and lead to great difficulty. But the Government had no objection to themselves introducing a short Bill re-enacting the l3th Clause of the Land Act of 1891, on the distinct understanding that it was not put down in the Orders until the Appropriation Bill had passed its various stages and the measure was accepted as it stood. [Irish cheers.]

MR. T. M. HEALY

asked whether the Arms (Ireland) Act would be included in the Expiring Laws Continuance Bill, in view of the pledge of the First Lord of the Treasury that no contentious legislation should be introduced.

THE ATTORNEY-GENERAL (Sir RICHARD WEBSTER,) Isle of Wight

said, there was nothing in the Bill which was not included in the Expiring Laws Continuance Act last year.

MR. T. M. HEALY

intimated that if the continuance of the Arms Act was proposed, its discussion would occupy several days.