THE EARL OF DONOUGHMOREsaid, that he approved of the object of the Bill, but he objected to the fourth clause, which would affect the whole system of the Poor Law in Ireland. The object of that clause was discussed by the Committee of the House of Commons which sat two years ago, and was almost unanimously rejected. With the insertion of this clause the Bill went beyond its title, and unless the noble Earl agreed to have it considered on bringing up the Report, he should move its omission in Committee to-morrow.
EARL ST. GERMANSsaid, the Bill only enabled the Boards of Guardians to do what the vestries were enabled to do at present. The power of providing coffins for the poor existed in England, and it was not abused. He believed there was even less danger of that power being abused in Ireland, where the people were very desirous of having their friends buried respectably. He should do what he could to meet the wishes of the noble Earl.
§ Motion agreed to: Bill read 2a accordingly, and committed to a Committee of the Whole House To-morrow