§ MR. CULLINANI beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he has received resolutions from the General Council of County Councils, county, and district councils asking for the repeal of Clause 6 of The Local Government (Ireland) Amendment Act, 1902; and whether, in view of this demand, he will take steps to have the clause repealed.
§ MR. ATKINSON (for Mr. WYNDHAM)Such resolutions have been received. The necessity for this section of the Act was explained by my right hon. friend in the Committee Stage of the measure on December 12th, † 1902. The Government are not prepared, for the reasons then stated, to agree to the repeal of the section.
§ MR. CULLINANWas not this important alteration made in an autumn session called for the special purpose of proceeding with the Education Bill and behind the backs of the Irish Members? Will the Government reconsider the matter?
§ MR. ATKINSONAccording to my recollection the Irish Members fully discussed this matter on the Committee stage of the Bill.