HC Deb 18 June 1902 vol 109 cc973-4
MR. SHEEHAN (Cork Co., Mid.)

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether his attention has been drawn to a resolution unanimously passed by the Cork County Council, demanding that the Labourers' Acts should be amended so as to include all classes of labourers and artisans living in rural districts as well as agricultural labourers; and whether he proposes to give effect to this resolution in the Bill which he is about to introduce on the subject.

MR. WYNDHAM

The extent to which the Government is prepared to go is disclosed by an Amendment which I have put on the Paper to the Bill of the hon. Member for South Louth. If this Bill becomes law, with the Amendments which I have put down, I do not think further legislation on the subject will be required.

MR. SHEEHAN

The right hon. Gentleman promised to introduce a Bill shortly after Whitsuntide. When does he propose to do so?

MR. WYNDHAM

Our views are embodied in my Amendment. If it is accepted, it would not be necessary to bring in another Bill. Still, if hon. Gentlemen desire me to originate legislation, I will see if I can.

MR. JOHN REDMOND

Is not the right hon. Gentleman's Amendment in the direction of limiting the existing law rather than extending it?

MR. SPEAKER

Order, order! The hon. Gentleman is not entitled to discuss the matter now.

CAPTAIN DONELAN (Cork Co., E.)

What classes of labour would be included?

MR. WYNDHAM

I think my Amendment includes all members of the agricultural community in receipt of a daily wage.

MR. SHEEHAN

Will the right hon. Gentleman introduce a Bill and give us an opportunity of discussing it?

MR. WYNDHAM

I cannot promise any opportunity of discussing it.