The Sun.
London, England, 1854-03-24 00:00:00

IRISH MARKET.

Viscount C/STLEROSSE asked the Chief Secretary
for Ireland whether it was the intention of the Govern-
ment to intro lute any measure, during the present ses-
sion, for the better regulation of fairs and markets in
Ireland

Sir J. YOUNG said, yes, but not very soon.
NEWSPAPER STAMPS.

Mr. CRA.UFURD,,seeing the Chancellor of the Ex-
cheque. in his place, was desirous of being informed when
the newspaper stamp returns, and the correspondence
with respect to unstamped publications in Ireland,
which had been ordered by the house, were likely to be
laid upon the table ?
The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER—The
answer which I received with respect to the subject
of the honourable gentleman's question was, that the
newspaper stamp return was a very simple matter to
prepare—that it was in fact already prepared—and I
apprehend although I speak without certainty, it
is already on the table of the house. (Hear, hear.)
With respect to the correspondence, on the other
hand, it is very difficult, and takes a great deal of
time to procure. It is necessary to mak a long and
laborious search through a great heap of correspondence,
and although every diligence has been used and will be
used in obtaining it, I am not able to say that it is
absolutely ready.
Mr. NEWDEGATE said it was very much com-
plained by many newspaper proprietors that the publi-
cation of the stamp returns placed them in the same
position in which they would be put by the publica-
tion of the income tax assessments, so far as con-
cerned the revelations of the condition of their trade.
(Hear, hear.) They were greatly gratified two years ago
at finding that the right hon. gentleman had refused
to allow them to be possibly injured by the produc-
tion of these returns ; and they wished to know whether
' anything had occurred since then which had induced
him to consent to that which he had then refused, or
i'whether-they might not still hope that this publication
t(f their-prejudice would not, even now, be permitted.
The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER—The
reason which induced me to consent to these returns was
one which did not at all address itself to my understand-
ing, but was connected with my sense of duty to this
house—it was in fact a division of the House of Com-
mons. (Hear.) No doubt that division took place pro
forma upon a motion of adjournment made by my hon.
friend behind me ; but I apprehend the clear meaning
of that division was, that the feeling of the bouse was
that these returns should be published ; and although I
individually was of a different opinion, as I stated
plainly at the time, I did not think it became me to
keep up a prolonged opposition to the wishes of the
house upon the subject.
HAY CONTRACT FOR THE ARMY.

Col. BLAIR asked which Mr. Sturges it was who had
attempted to defraud the army of the East in supplying
hay to the artillery. If it was not a Mr. Sturges, then,
who was it ?

Sir J. GRAHAM declined to give up the name.
Col BLA IR gave notice that he should repeat the
question to-morrow, and then insist upon an answer.
Mr. B. OSBORNE saw no objection to satisfying the
gallant Col )nel's curiosity now. The name of the party
was "Thomas Sturgeon and Son," of Grays, Essex.
Mr. ROEBUCK gavenotice that to-morrow he should
ask if the case had been submitled to the Attorney-Gene
ral with the view of prosecuting the parties.
Sir j/GRALIAM would answer the question at
once. The solicitor to the Board of Admiralty had to-
day received instructions to take every possible steps
which the law afforded to bring the parties to justice,
and if it should be found that the law did not reach the
case, it would be his duty to bring in a bill to prevent a
recurrence of such frauds. (Hear.)
IRISH PRISONS.

Lord NAAS asked if it was intended to bring in a bill
this session for the better management of Government
and county prisons in Ireland ?
Sir J. YOUNG said such a bill would be forthcoming
after Easter.