§ [SECOND READING.]
§ Order of the Day for the Second Reading read.
*THE EARL OF DONOUGHMOREMy Lords case for the Second Reading of this Bill is this. In England power is given for the appointment of deputy coroners. In Ireland we have no such power; and we ask that the sections in the English Act of 1892, which give this power, should be applied to Ireland. All I need draw attention to is that it is provided that the power shall be subject to the provisions of the Coroners Acts and to the law relating to coroners "in like manner" as to coroners.
§ Moved, "That the Bill be now read 2a."—(The Earl of Donoughmore.)
LORD DENMANWe have no objections whatever to the provisions of this Bill. In fact, we cordially assent to it. Under the existing law in Ireland a considerable difficulty arises owing to the absence of any enactment enabling a deputy coroner to be appointed. I understand that this Bill is to enable that to be done, and the Government offer no objection to the Second Reading.
§ LORD ASHBOURNEI have no doubt the Bill is desirable. The only thing I will say is, that I think it may need examination at the next stage in order to see that adequate provision is made to secure that a fit deputy is appointed, and that the power which is reserved to remove a coroner should also apply to a deputy coroner under this Bill. Those, however, are matters for Committee. I do not oppose the Second Reading of the Bill.
§ On Question, Bill read 2a, and committed to a Committee of the Whole House on Tuesday next.