HC Deb 15 July 1896 vol 42 cc1513-4
MR. JOHN DILLON (Mayo, E.)

asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he could state what course he had decided to adopt with reference to the Government Amendments to the Irish Land Bill?

THE CHIEF SECRETARY FOR IRELAND (Mr. GERALD BALFOUR Leeds, Central)

The Amendments referred to in the hon. Member's question relate partly to procedure and partly to improvements. As regards procedure, we now propose to withdraw Clauses 13 and 15, and also to accept an Amendment now on the Paper in the name of the hon. and learned Member for Louth, to omit Sub-section 14 of Clause 14. As regards improvements, we propose to omit Sub-section 3 of Clause 4, and drop the Amendments now on the Paper.

MR. JOHN MORLEY (Montrose Burghs)

Is the right hon. Gentleman referring to the Bill or to the Amendments?

MR. GERALD BALFOUR

Yes, it is to the Bill I am referring. We drop the Amendments now on the Paper. With reference to the other Government Amendments to Clause 4, it is our intention to move them except the Amendment now on the Paper to omit Sub-section 1 of that clause. In consequence of the disappearance of Clause 13, this sub-section, dealing with the matters ascertained and recorded by the Courts in fixing fair rents, will have to be retained, but we propose to extend it with greater particularity of detail, as recommended by the Select Committee. Amendments giving effect to these changes will be put down on the Paper to-day.

MR. J. MORLEY

I do not think I quite understand what the right hon. Gentleman meant with reference to the reprint of Clause 4. I mean as to the form in which he wishes the House to consider it. Is that entirely dropped?

MR. GERALD BALFOUR

No, Sir; that printed form of the clause of which I gave notice to the right hon. Gentleman included all the Amendments on the Paper to Clause 4, as it would be if the Government Amendments were accepted. We now propose to drop Sub-section 3 of the Bill altogether, and of course with the sub-section will go the Amendments also. In the copy which the right hon. Gentleman has got, Sub-section 1 of Clause 4 as it stands in the Bill was omitted, and that will now have to be replaced in consequence of dropping Clause 13.

MR. T. M. HEALY (Louth, N.)

asked whether the Chief Secretary could put Clause 4 as altered on the Paper tomorrow?

MR. GERALD BALFOUR

I can move to omit Clause 4 as it stands, and move it in its amended form as a new clause.

MR. DILLON

suggested that Clause 4 as altered might be printed and sent round as a memorandum.

MR. GERALD BALFOUR

If it can be sent round as a separate Parliamentary Paper, I will send it.

MR. EDWARD CARSON (Dublin University)

asked if it was the intention of the Government to put down any Amendments in addition to those on the Paper? [Laughter from the Opposition.]

MR. GERALD BALFOUR

I certainly should not like to bind myself to put down no more Amendments. [Renewed laughter.]

MR. HENRY LABOUCHERE (Northampton)

asked if the right hon. Gentleman intended to go on with the Bill to-morrow?

MR. GERALD BALFOUR

I do not see any reason why we should not go on with it to-morrow. There are no Amendments of importance to Clauses 2 and 3, and I do not think the changes I propose are such as to make it necessary for any Party in the House to reconsider its position with a view to putting down Amendments.

MR. J. MORLEY

Do I understand that the Government adhere to their intention that the Committee stage shall close to-morrow week?

MR. GERALD BALFOUR

replied in the affirmative.