§ MR. SWIFT MACNEILLI beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury whether, having regard to the fact that the Second Reading of the Charitable Loans (Ireland) Bill, a Government Measure, was taken unexpectedly on Thursday evening in the absence of Irish Members, facilities will be given for the discussion of the principle of this Measure, and due notice of the time when it will be taken in the Committee stage?
§ THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURYAn effort was made to consult the wishes of Irish Members on Friday on the subject, and I was very desirous of meeting the views of honourable Gentlemen. Notice shall be given of this Bill before it is brought on, but I hope the discussion will not be a prolonged one, although I think some discussion probably ought to take place.
§ MR. DILLON (Mayo, E.)Will the right honourable Gentleman kindly see that this Bill is not brought on until the Report for 1897 of the Loan Funds Board is circulated to Members? It ought to be out in a few days, and I think we should have it before the discussion on the Bill.
§ THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURYI shall be glad if the honourable Gentleman will put that Question on the Paper, addressed either to myself or the Attorney General for Ireland. I have not at present the technical knowledge that would enable me to answer.
§ MR. SWIFT MACNEILLWill the right honourable Gentleman, having regard to the importance of the subject, allow us an opportunity of discussing the principle of the Measure?
§ THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURYAs the honourable Gentleman is aware, the Second Reading has been already passed; but I think there will be an obvious and legitimate opportunity on the Third Reading, and I believe that, in addition to that, on clause 1 there will be a perfectly fair opportunity of dealing with the general principle of the Measure.