§ *LORD ARDILAUNHas the noble and learned Lord the Lord Chancellor of Ireland received from some of the townships in connection with Dublin notice of a section which they suggest should be added in reference to hospitals?
*THE LORD CHANCELLOR OF IRELANDI have received such a mass of correspondence during the last few days that I do not like to say I have not received it; but I do not recollect having received it. Will the noble Lord tell me the nature of the section?
§ *LORD ARDILAUNUp to now several townships were able to contribute to hospitals in the city of Dublin, and it seems to be an objectionable thing that each district should be obliged, under this Bill, to build a hospital for itself, when there is probably a hospital quite close, and within the county. The section suggested would read as follows—
That an urban district council may annually, with the consent of the Local Government Board, contribute towards any infirmary or fever hospital in the county in which such urban district is situated such sum as they think fit.
*THE LORD CHANCELLOR OF IRELANDThat Amendment is not on the Paper, and I have not had much opportunity of considering it; but it would appear to me to be rather open to the objection I made just now—that if it gives an urban authority power to contribute, it would also involve the power of raising the money by rates. Therefore it would require careful consideration.
§ *LORD ARDILAUNIt would not involve the power of raising the money by rates any more than at present. The 990 urban authorities have not been prevented by the auditor from contributing to these hospitals.
*THE LORD CHANCELLOR OF IRELANDIf my noble Friend will put the Amendment on the Paper it can be considered before Report.
§ *LORD ARDILAUNVery well; I will bring it up on Report.
§
Question put—
That clauses 15, 16, 17, and 18 stand part of the Bill.
§ Motion agreed to.