HC Deb 21 June 1895 vol 34 cc1671-2
MR. W. JOHNSTON

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether a Bill had been introduced by the Lord Chancellor into the House of Lords dealing with inebriates and habitual drunkards, and whether it was because there was no necessity for the Bill in Ireland that that country was excluded from its operation.

MR. J. MORLEY

I am aware that the Government have introduced such a Bill in the other House, from the operation of which Ireland is exempted. If hon. Members from Ireland desire, when the Bill comes down to this House, that it should he extended to Ireland, the Government will consider the matter. ["Hear, hear!"]

MR. T. W. RUSSELL (Tyrone, S.)

asked how it came about that two Government Bills dealing with the question of Temperance had been introduced this Session, and that Ireland had been deliberately excluded from them. Had there been any arrangement with anyone that this should be so? [Cheers.]

MR. J. MORLEY

There is no arrangement with anybody.

MR. T. W. RUSSELL

Then why is it so?

MR. ASQUITH

Perhaps the hon. Member will allow me to answer that question. The Bill in reference to inebriates has been introduced in consequence of the recommendations of a Departmental Committee relating to England and to England only. Another Departmental Committee has since sat in connection with Scotland, and has made a report in reference to Scotland. The two reports are somewhat similar, and we have been able to incorporate in one Bill provisions founded upon their recommendations. No such inquiry has been made in regard to Ireland.

MR. T. W. RUSSELL

I give notice that unless the Bill is made to apply to Ireland I will oppose it altogether. [Cheers.]

* MR. BRODRICK (Surrey, Guildford)

asked whether it was not a fact that the Prisons Commission had not pointed out to the Secretary of State that it was necessary to provide a better diet for prisoners in Ireland, owing to the amount of inebriety in that country, and whether that recommendation was not then in force in Ireland.

MR. ASQUITH

said, the fact had not come to his knowledge. It transpired in the time of his predecessor.