§ [SECOND READING.]
§ Order of the day for the Second Reading read.
LORD DENMANMy Lords, I desire to say only a few words in explanation of the necessity for introducing this Bill during the present session. In consequence of the failure during the autumn of 1904 of the potato crop in certain parts of Ireland, the late Government authorised the Local Government Board to put into operation, with the aid of Board of Works loans, a scheme for the supply of seed potatoes similar to those adopted in former years. This, I believe, is really the business of the Department of Agriculture in Ireland, but at the particular time this scheme was put into operation it was not equal to the task of distributing these seed potatoes. The duty, therefore, devolved upon the boards of guardians. In all, some 14,000 tons of seed potatoes were distributed, and the total amount of the loans issued was over £70,000. Last session a Bill was introduced by the late Government authorising these loans and the taking of the proceedings necessary for the working of the scheme, but the Bill was withdrawn at the end of the session. This Bill is brought in to validate the loans made by the Board of Works and the pro- 374 ceedings then taken. In short, it is really a measure to legalise the action of the late Government. In the short debate which took place on the Bill in the House of Commons, Mr. Walter Long, the late Chief Secretary for Ireland, expressed his approval in marked terms, and he earnestly hoped that the measure would receive the support of all sections in the House. The necessity for the pressing of the Bill is urgent, as county councils in Ireland are about to strike their poor rate for the ensuing year. I may mention that in future all schemes of this kind will be taken in hand by the Department of Agriculture and will not be thrown on boards of guardians.
§ Moved, "That the Bill be now read 2a."—;(Lord Denman.)
§ LORD ASHBOURNEThe noble Lord has very clearly and fairly stated the provisions of this Bill and the necessity for its passing. Prom time to time such measures have been needed in Ireland, and they have generally passed on a fair statement of the necessity for them. I can see no objection to your Lordships according the Bill a Second Reading, though it is quite possible that one or two Amendments will have to be considered in Committee.
On Question, Bill read 2a (according to order), and committed to a Committee of the Whole House on Thursday next.