§ The EARL of DEVON moved the Second Reading of the Public Works (Ireland) Bill, and gave notice that to-morrow he would move the suspension of the Standing Orders for the purpose of its passing through the remaining stages.
§ LORD MONTEAGLEobjected to Bills affecting a remote part of the country being brought up, as on the present occasion, under circumstances which made deliberation a farce. This Bill was only put into his hands this morning, and there could not be a Bill more important in its object.
EARL ST. GERMANSadmitted that, as a general principle, it was inexpedient that Bills should be brought on in the House without giving noble Lords an opportunity of expressing their opinion; but he was surprised at the opposition of the noble Lord, considering the peculiar circumstances under which this Bill was brought on. He understood the object of the Bill to be simply this—that certain works were undertaken in Ireland under the pressure of the famine of last year; that in consequence of the failure of funds those works were left in an incomplete state—and that it was absolutely necessary, not only with a view to giving employment during the ensuing winter, but for the sake of the works themselves, that 1231 they should be completed. No new principle had been introduced into the Bill, and delay would lead to a suspension of the works.
§ LORD MONTEAGLEsaid, that it was disgraceful to bring it forward without affording time for consideration. He should take on himself to show to-morrow the points on which the Bill was defective, but not with any view of impeding its progress.
§ Bill read 2a and committed to Committee of the whole House to-morrow; and the Standing Orders Nos. 26 and 155 to be considered in order to be dispensed with.
§ House adjourned.