HL Deb 12 May 1890 vol 344 cc676-7

House in Committee (on re-commitment) (according to order).

*THE EARL OF MEATH

My Lords, in Clause 3 the Irish Office have drafted a few words which they desire should be inserted in line 5, page 2, after "England and Wales." The words are "as respects Ireland, the Commissioners and Trustees of Charitable Donations and Bequests in Ireland." The alteration is only for the purpose of extending the operation of the clause to Ireland, inasmuch as the Charity Commissioners have no jurisdiction in that country.

THE EARL OF KIMBERLEY

I presume the noble Lord has consulted those Members of the Committee who are interested in Ireland, and that he has obtained their consent to the insertion of words applying the clause to Ireland. I think we ought to have the whole clause read. I fully expect to find that it is quite satisfactory. It was understood in the Committee that some clause of this kind would be moved; but as no notice has been given of it, I think it would be better for the clause to be read.

THE LORD CHANCELLOR

I think there is a little misapprehension about the nature of this clause. The Bill extends to Ireland already. It was pointed out in the Committee that there was no such body as that which is referred to in the Bill as being the guiding authority in Ireland; and the noble Lord who has charge of the Bill was recommended to find out who were the corresponding authorities in Ireland, and when he had obtained the necessary information from the Irish Office the name of the proper body to be inserted should be substituted. In substance, I think the noble Lord has exactly carried out that request.

THE EARL OF KIMBERLEY

Entirely.

THE EARL OF KIMBERLEY

I merely wish to say, before we part with the Bill, that I think my noble Friend will have to look through it before another stage is reached, because I feel certain that other words will be required to make it right. The clause which has been referred to is perfectly right, but I think it will require the addition of further words.

Amendment made; the Report thereof to be received To-morrow.