HC Deb 22 May 1903 vol 122 cc1571-2

[SECOND READING.]

Order for Second Reading read.

MR. KENDAL O'BRIEN (Tipperaray, Mid)

formally moved the Second Reading of this Bill.

SIR FREDERICK BANBURY (Camberwell, Peckham)

said the hon. Member who had moved the Second Reading of this important Bill had given no explanation whatever of any of its provisions.

MR. KENDAL O'BRIEN

There was not times.

SIR FREDERICK BANBURY

said that that was an extremely good reason for not moving the Second Reading at all, and he was surprised that a Bill of such importance should be brought forward at such an hour. The object of this Bill was to apply the Land Act of 1881, which dealt with the country and the towns of Ireland. There was a pretty general conclusion of opinion that the Land Act of 1881 should be repealed, therefore it was rather extraordinary that a Bill of this description should be brought forward now. He supposed it was to give an opportunity for another Bill to be brought in reversing this, and thus enabling Ireland to make a charge upon the English taxpayer. As an English taxpayer he objected. The first clause was a most extraordinary one, and provided that a tenant, on quitting his holding, might claim compensation in respect of any improvement made on his holding by himself or his predecessor in title. In the first place, let them take the word holding, as he understood holding meant agricultural holding, and not a town tenancy. The town tenant was the tenant of a house. If he was wrong in that contention, it was not his fault, but the fault of the hon. Member who moved the Second Reading not explaining the measure.

MR. WILLIAM REDMOND (Clare, E.)

Hear, hear! Who says we do not want Home Rule in Ireland?

SIR FREDERICK BANBURY

The hon. Gentleman says I do not want Home Rule for Ireland.

MR. WILLIAM REDMOND

No; I did not. I say you ought to have been made a Peer.

SIR FREDERICK BANBURY

said there were many clauses in the Bill which he could discuss, but there was one particular clause which treated the amount of rent under certain circumstances.

And, it being half-past Five of the Clock, the debate stood adjourned. Debate to be resumed upon Friday, 19th June.

Adjourned at twenty-five minutes before six o'clock till Monday next.