HL Deb 23 May 1905 vol 146 cc1105-6

[SECOND READING.]

Debate on the Motion for the Second Reading, resumed (according to order).

THE LORD PRESIDENT OF THE COUNCIL AND PRESIDENT OF THE, BOARD OF EDUCATION (The Marquess of LONDONDERRY)

My Lords, I have, to thank the noble Lord in charge of the Bill, Lord Avebury, for the courtesy he has shown in allowing the Motion for the Second Reading to be further adjourned until to-day, and I regret any inconvenience that may have been caused him. The Bill, as the noble Lord informed your Lordships in moving the Second Reading, has passed through all its stages in the other House without opposition. Its object is to amend the law as to the hours of closing of licensed premises on Christmas Day in Ireland, and it merely makes compulsory what I am informed is practically the general custom in Ireland—namely, the closing of public-houses on Christmas Day. In these circumstances His Majesty's Government have no objection to the Second Reading.

LORD AVEBURY

My Lords, I am much obliged to the noble Marquess and His Majesty's Government for accepting the, Bill, and I should like to ask whether, as all the Amendments suggested by the Government were accepted in the other House, he will allow me to move that the Standing Committee be negatived.

THE EARL OF WEMYSS

My Lords, I was under the impression, from the course taken on a previous occasion by the noble and learned Earl on the Woolsack, and by His Majesty's Government, that the Bill would be resisted. As, however, the Government are in favour of the Second Reading it is no use attempting resistance, but I beg to give notice that I shall at a later stage move that Ulster be exempted from the Bill.

*THE LORD CHANCELLOR OF IRELAND (Lord ASHBOURNE)

My Lords, I think my noble friend, before he submits any such proposition, should ascertain whether the proposed exemption would be approved of in Ulster. So far as I know, the Bill has been received with a great deal of commendation throughout Ireland.

THE EARL, OF WEMYSS

What, in Ulster?

*LORD ASHBOURNE

The Bill, as I have said, has received a great deal of commendation in Ireland, and the leading clergy in every part of the country are, I believe, in favour of it. The General Synod of the Church of Ireland, the most representative body of Church feeling in Ireland, attended by Bishops from every part of Ireland, including Ulster, and by the leading clergy and laity from every part of Ireland, including Ulster, passed a unanimous resolution in favour of the Bill.

LORD DE ROS

I can assure your Lordships, as an Ulster man, that the people in Ulster are in favour of the Bill and that much good is anticipated from it. I hope, therefore, that if the noble Earl at a later stage moves exemption in the case of Ulster the proposition will not be entertained.

On Question, Bill read 2aa, and committed to a Committee of the Whole House on Tuesday next.

House adjourned at five minutes past Six o'clock, to Thursday next, Eleven o'clock.