§ Commons Message considered (according to order).
THE CHAIRMAN OF COMMITTEES (The Earl of MORLEY)The object of the Resolution which stands in my name is that the Dublin Corporation Bill and the Clontarf Urban District Council Bill, which closely depends on the larger measure, shall be referred to a Joint Committee of Lords and Commons. This course is not an unprecedented one, though I admit it is quite unusual. The great importance of the interests concerned in the question of the proposed extension of Dublin renders it desirable that the Bill should be referred to has strong a Committee as possible, and I think your Lordships will find that in a Joint Committee of the two Houses you have an apt tribunal to deal with so important a measure. The Bill had a somewhat checkered career last year, and it is desirable, in the 4 interests of all parties, that there should be no inconvenient differences of opinion between the two Houses on the question. This will be achieved by the course I propose, which will also save a great deal of expense. I understand from my right hon. Friend in the House of Commons that he agrees with me that a small Committee will deal with this matter better than a large one, and I would propose that three, or, at the outside, four Members of this House should join with a like number of Members of the House of Commons. I have made these few remarks because the course suggested is an unusual one, but I think that, in the circumstances of the case, I can without hesitation recommend it for your Lordships' adoption.
Moved, That this House do concur in the following resolution communicated by the Commons, viz., "That it is expedient that the Dublin Corporation Bill and the Clontarf Urban District Council Bill be committed to a Joint Committee of Lords and Commons" (The Chairman of Committees); agreed to; and a message ordered to be sent to the Commons to acquaint them therewith.