The Earl of Carberysaid, that it being now twelve months since the appointment of the Commission to inquire into the state of the poor in Ireland, and four months of the present Session having elapsed without any report from the Commission, he wished to ask the noble Viscount at the head of the Government when their report might be expected? He observed that a Bill relative to a Poor-rate in Ireland was about to be presented to the other House of Parliament by an hon. and learned Gentleman, but he hoped when the report was laid before Parliament, that any measure to be brought forward in consequence of it would not be intrusted to the care of any individual, be he who he might; but that the subject would be undertaken by the Ministers on their own responsibility.
§ Viscount Melbournereplied, that the inquiry had extended to a greater length than was expected; however, considering its great difficulty and importance, noble Lords could not be surprised at that circumstance. He could not exactly say, at what time the report would be presented, but he had reason to hope that it would not be very long delayed. His Majesty's Government had nothing whatever to do with any Bill about to be produced in another place in reference to the subject. The measure alluded to by the noble Lord was brought forward without concert or agreement with Ministers. When the report of the Commissioners should be made, it would then be the duty of Government to consider what course they would adopt.