The Earl of Glengall, adverting to the circumstance that the measure known by the name of the Irish Coercion Bill, would expire in August, wished to know whether it was the noble Viscount's intention to propose its renewal.
§ Viscount Melbournereplied, that it was intended to introduce another measure for the purpose of preserving the public peace, and repressing any outrage or disturbance that might break out. The existing measure was founded on the report of a commission appointed to inquire into the state of the Queen's county in 1831 and 1832.
§ The Earl of Clanricardeobserved, that that meant, he presumed, that the law in Ireland was to be permanently altered.
§ Viscount Melbournesaid, that under existing circumstances, he did not think it would be necessary to lay before their Lordships any statement of the present condition of Ireland, which he had reason to believe was one of comparative tranquillity. It was not intended that the proposed Bill should be in permanent operation; but only that Government should be empowered to put it in operation under circumstances of necessity.
The Earl of Glengallthought the great increase of troops in Ireland, during the last two years, was a circumstance which showed that danger was to be apprehended. Whatever the measure might be of which the noble Viscount had spoken, it was of the utmost importance that it should be efficacious. As to the existing tranquillity, it appeared to him to be merely a lull before a storm. The Roman Catholic priesthood in Ireland had more power than ever; more especially with reference to the facility of disuniting landlord and tenant; and he was persuaded that unless some strong legislative measure were adopted, neither the property nor the life of any Protestant would be safe.
§ Subject dropped.