HC Deb 09 April 1896 vol 39 cc666-7

*MR. HANBURY moved the Second Reading of this Bill.

DR. TANNER

objected, under the Rules, to the Bill being taken after mid-night.

*MR. HANBURY

said he would have to withdraw the Bill if there was any further opposition to it. It was a Bill intended for the benefit of a portion of Ireland; and he would not feel justified, if there was any further opposition from Irish Members, in going on with it.

DR. TANNER

was surprised the right hon. Gentleman objected to the objection from the Opposition side of the House, in view of the opposition raised to the Bill by Members on the Government side.

MR. T. M. HEALY

asked whether it was not the fact that the money supposed to be taken under the Bill had already been spent, that the Treasury were in a hobble, and could not drop the Bill?

*MR. HANBURY

said the Treasury were in no hobble. He understood that the late Government spent a certain amount of money without authority [a laugh] but the moment he entered office he refused to allow any more money to be spent until this Bill had received the sanction of the House. [Cheers.]

MR. T. M. HEALY

How much was spent without authority by the late Government?

*MR. HANBURY

About £1,200.

MR. T. M. HEALY

Then you will have to get a Bill for it.

Second Reading deferred till Thursday, 23rd April.