§ Order of the Day for the Second Reading, read.
VISCOUNT POWERSCOURT,in moving that the Bill be now read the second time, said, that the difference which at present existed between the law of England and Scotland and that of Ireland in respect of the commencement of the shooting season for different species of game birds enabled the dealers of the former countries to bring game into the Irish markets earlier than the Irish dealers could lawfully do so; and besides the hardship thus inflicted direct encouragement was given to poachers to pursue their unlawful calling. The present Bill was introduced with the view of putting an end to this state of things. Under the Act of the old Irish Parliament—the 37 Geo. III. c. 21, the open season for moor-game, heath-game, and grouse commenced on the 20th August—the Bill proposed that in future it should commence on the 12th August; the commencement of the open season for partridge, landrail, and quail would in like manner be altered from the 20th September to the 10th September.
§ Moved, "That the Bill be now read 2a."—(The Viscount Powerscourt.)
§ Motion agreed to; Bill read 2a accordingly, and committed to a Committee of the Whole House To-morrow.