The MARQUESS of LONDONDERRYsaid, he wished to ask the noble Marquess the Lord President of the Council a question, to which he hoped he would by courtesy give an answer. He understood from what had taken place in another place, that the Government intended to introduce a Bill for the abolition of the office of Lord Lieutenant in Ireland. Would the noble Marquess tell him, whether it was intended that the measure should be introduced on an early day of the Session? He hoped sufficient time would be given to the people of Ireland to express their opinions upon it by petitions to that House or otherwise.
§ The MARQUESS of LANSDOWNEreplied, that from what had passed in another place, it would be seen that it was the intention of the Government to introduce a measure for the purpose of abolishing the office of the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland: but no notice had been given of the period when the Bill would be brought forward, and therefore he was not in a position to inform the noble Marquess at what specific time the measure would be introduced. At the same time he was sure he might say, that the noble Marquess might rest satisfied that ample opportunity would be afforded to the people of Ireland to consider and examine the measure.