§ Order of the Day for the House being put into Committee read.
4LORD ORANMORE AND BROWNEMy Lords, in moving that the House do now resolve itself into Committee for the consideration of this Bill I shall intervene for but a very few moments between the House and the noble Marquess whom we all wish so much to hear. On the occasion when I moved the Second Reading of this Bill His Majesty's Government extended their benevolent neutrality towards it. Since then, however, circumstances have somewhat changed. I am led to think that one reason why this benevolent neutrality was extended was that His Majesty's Government hoped that a pipe of peace composed purely of Irish tobacco might be smoked at the coming of age of the latest political offspring of the Chief; Secretary for Ireland. But I am afraid that that bantling will be short lived, and I believe the author of its being is now considering whether if he commits the crime of taking its life the country may not announce it a case of justifiable infanticide. The Bill now before your Lord ships, however, is an uncontroversial measure. Its only object is to enable tobacco to be grown in Ireland where the climate is suitable, and I have every reason to believe it will pass into law.
§ Moved, "That the House do now resolve itself into Committee."—(Lord Oranmore and Browne.)
§ On Question, Motion agreed to.
§ House in Committee (according to Order).
§ Bill reported without Amendment. Standing Committee negatived; and Bill to be read 3a on Monday next.