HC Deb 26 January 1897 vol 45 cc499-500
MR. T. M. HEALY

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland do the Government intend to bring in a Bill this Session to extend the municipal franchise in Ireland?

MR. GERALD BALFOUR

I am quite prepared to admit that this is a matter that must be dealt with some time or another, but the Government cannot promise to introduce a Bill this Session for the purpose.

MR. T. M. HEALY

In the event of a Bill being introduced in other quarters will the right hon. Gentleman give it any benevolent help?

MR. GERALD BALFOUR

I could not answer that question without consultation with my colleagues.

MR. J. C. FLYNN (Cork, N.)

asked the right hon. Gentleman whether any such Bill was likely to be brought in by the Government before the present century expired?

[No answer was given.]