§ The Earl of Devonsaid, he had been in communication with Members of the other House of Parliament, and he found it would be impossible to carry into a law during the present Session of Parliament measures which he intended to introduce founded on the Landlord and Tenant Commission, over which he had the honour of presiding. One of those measures proposed a short form of lease to be executed between the parties, at a reduced expense in every respect, the Government being favourably disposed towards reducing the stamp duty. That was a short Bill; but there was another Bill upon the subject of ejectment and distress, and, in fact, embodying nearly all the recommendations of the Commission. He hoped to be able to introduce both at an early period in the next Session of Parliament.
Lord Broughamapproved of his noble and learned Friend's intention to postpone the measures to which he had referred. He should have been glad, however, to 431 have seen the first, which was described as a short Bill, introduced.
The Marquess of Clanricardehoped the measures referred to would be brought in upon the earliest opportunity next Session, and allowed to rest for a short period, so that there might be time to ascertain the opinion of the Irish people with reference to those measures. He had long entertained a conviction, which every year had become stronger, that in legislating for Ireland, Parliament ought to consult the feelings, habits, and perhaps even the prejudices, of the Irish people.
The Earl of Wicklowwas sorry that the Bills were not to be brought in this Session, as he thought they should necessarily accompany the Landlord and Tenant Bill. He should now expect the noble Lord the Secretary for the Colonies to announce his intention of postponing the latter measure till next Sesson.