HC Deb 31 July 1902 vol 112 cc382-3

Motion made, and Question proposed, "That the Bill be now read a second time."

MR. MACARTNEY

said that he was extremely surprised that the Government should have brought forward the Bill at such an hour. He begged to move the adjournment of the debate.

MR. WILLIAM REDMOND (Clare, E.)

said he wished to appeal to the right hon. Gentleman to allow the Second Reading to be taken. It was a Bill of the greatest importance to the poorest districts in Ireland, and could be discussed on the Committee stage.

MR. MACARTNEY

said if he could state his views in Committee, and if hon. Members would not raise any technical objection to that course, he would have no objection to the Second Reading being taken.

MR. JOHN REDMOND

said he hoped that adequate time would be given for the discussion of the Bill in Committee. The Bill could not be allowed to pass without discussion.

MR. WYNDHAM

said it was clear that the Bill could not now be discussed, but the Second Reading might be taken without prejudice.

MR. POWER (Waterford, E.)

said he had a Motion on the Paper with regard to the Second Reading, but he did not desire to keep hon. Members up to a later hour. Irish Members had, however, a right to protest against Irish business of considerable importance being brought on at the fag end of the session. He would impress on the Chief Secretary to bear in mind that there were many districts in the South of Ireland which required assistance, and he desired to direct the right hon. Gentleman's attention to the Motion which he had placed on the Paper.