§ THE LORD CHANCELLOR OF IRELAND (Lord ASHBOURNE)My Lords, in moving that the House do resolve itself into Committee on the County Courts (Ireland) Bill, I wish to make a short explanation as to the course I propose to take in reference to it. I desire that this stage shall be a pro forma one, so as to enable me to have the Bill reprinted. I find that some of the proposals have divided opinion a great deal with reference to their application to Ireland. There is some doubt as to whether it would be desirable to extend the provisions contained in some of the clauses to Ireland, although they are in force in England. This is a matter that requires a great deal of consideration. My noble and learned friend Lord Morris has put down Amendments with respect to two of these clauses, and I will consider, if your Lordships allow this formal stage to be taken, in what shape I will present the Bill to the House on a future occasion. I shall certainly make substantial changes, and shall adopt one of the Amendments of my noble and learned friend, and perhaps a portion of the other. Any provisions that I think will pass without opposition in the other House, which will be of obvious advantage to Ireland, I will retain, while I may possibly postpone to another occasion other clauses which may be the subject of controversy.
§ Moved, "That the House do resolve itself into Committee on the said Bill."
§ LORD MORRISapproved of the course proposed to be taken, by his noble and learned friend, and was confident that he would give the matter very careful attention. Opinion in Ireland preponderated in favour of his Amendments, and he was glad to hear that his noble and learned friend proposed to adopt one of them and a portion of the other.
§ On Question agreed to—
§ House in Committee accordingly; Bill reported without amendment; Standing Committee negatived; Amendments made; Bill re-committed for Friday next; and to be printed as amended. (No. 57.)