§ THE EARL OF DERBYBefore we proceed to the orders of the day I wish to recall to the noble Earl's recollection a conversation which occurred in this House, and to put a question with regard to it. Your Lordships will perhaps recollect that about a fortnight or three weeks ago a conversation arose as to the introduction into the other House of Parliament of a 1340 measure for the settlement and removal of paupers in this kingdom, and on that occasion the question was raised whether Irish and Scotch paupers would be included in that measure. The noble Earl (the Earl of Aberdeen) stated in answer, that it was not his intention to include in the Bill any provision in regard to Scotch or Irish paupers. And on my pointing out that it was exceedingly difficult to separate that very important branch of the question in the consideration of a general measure, the noble Earl answered that the question of the Irish paupers was more especially one on which the Government required a great deal more information, and a great deal more inquiry, before they could make up their minds as to the course they might think fit to pursue. I then asked whether the Government would proceed with the other part of the question, and the noble Earl said such was their intention. I learn from the Journals of the other House that the second reading of this Bill was moved on Friday last, and stands adjourned to to-day; and, if I am to believe the reports of the public newspapers, it appears that a change has taken place in the opinion of Her Majesty's Government since the noble Earl gave that answer: for I observe it is announced that the settlement and removal of Irish paupers will be made the subject of a separate Bill; but it is intended to proceed with the measure without waiting for the introduction of the Bill relating to Irish paupers. Now, my Lords, I have nothing to do with the course Her Majesty's Ministers think right to pursue; but what I have to do with is the declaration which the noble Earl has made, that it is necessary, before they can proceed satisfactorily to deal with the Scotch and Irish question, that they should possess a great deal more information and have a great deal more inquiry. I will not believe the report which has reached me, that the intentions of Her Majesty's Government have been suddenly changed in consequence of receiving a strong representation from a large body of Irish Members that they would be unable to support the Bill as it stood unless the Irish paupers were included—because I must say such a course of proceeding would be so entirely derogatory to the Government, that I cannot believe they would consider it consistent with the conduct of the business of the country. The question I wish to ask the noble Earl is, whether it is true that Her Majesty's Government do intend to introduce a measure 1341 including Irish and Scotch paupers in the general law with regard to settlement and removal now before the other House; and if so, whether he will lay before this House the result of those inquiries, and the amount of information which in the course of the last fortnight he has received, and which has induced him and his Colleagues to alter the course of their proceedings?
§ THE EARL OF ABERDEENWhen the conversation arose to which the noble Earl has referred, with regard to a Bill introduced into the other House of Parliament on the law of settlement and removal, I admitted that it necessarily involved the consideration of the removal of Scotch and Irish paupers; but I said, and I repeat, that it is not intended to include the consideration of that question in this Bill. To that statement I adhere. What may be the course proposed with respect to another measure affecting the removal of Scotch and Irish paupers, I am not prepared at this moment to say; but I have no hesitation in admitting fully that the Bill before Parliament involves the necessity of dealing with that subject.