PUBLIC LIBRARIES (IRELAND) BILL.

HL Deb 25 July 1902 vol 111 c1255

[SECOND READING.]

Order of the day for the Second Reading read.

LORD KILLANIN

My Lords, the Bill which I desire the House to read a second time met with no opposition in the House of Commons, and I hope that your Lordships will also look favourably upon it. Its object is to give to rural districts in Ireland the same power as already exists in urban districts of levying a rate not exceeding a penny in the pound for the purpose of establishing public libraries. There have been attempts made in Ireland lately, not only to improve agriculture and to revive industries where possible, but also to make village life pleasanter and brighter, and this Bill admirably fits in with those movements. I hope, therefore, that your Lordships will accord the Bill your support, and that, should it become law, the powers given will be fully made use of in the rural districts in Ireland.

Moved, That the Bill be now read 2^a. —(Lord Killanin.)

THE EARL OF DENBIGH

There is no objection on the part of the Irish Office to this Bill.

On Question, agreed to; Bill read 2^a (according to Order), and committed to a Committee of the Whole House on Monday next]