Lunæ, 22 die Februarii: Anno 11 Georgii IV ti Regis, 1830.

PRAYERS.

Cork City Election. - Recognizance not entered into.

MR. Speaker acquainted the House, That Daniel Meagher and others, electors of the city of Cork, who petitioned this House upon the 5th day of this instant February, complaining of an undue Election and Return for the said city, had not entered into a recognizance in respect of such Petition, according to the directions of the Act 9 Geo. 4, c. 22, "to consolidate and amend the Laws relating to the Trial of Controverted Elections or Returns of Members to serve in Parliament."

Ordered, That the Order made upon the 5th day of this instant February, for taking the said Petition into consideration upon Thursday next, be discharged.

Account of Liverpool Docks, presented.

The House being informed that Mr. Pickering, from the Trustees of the Liverpool Docks, attended at the door, he was called in; and at the bar presented to the House, pursuant to the directions of an Act of Parliament,-An Account of the receipt and disbursement of Dock and Light Duties at the Port of Liverpool, from the 25th June 1828 to the 24th June 1829:-And then he withdrew.

Ordered, That the said Account do lie upon the Table.

Returns from the Court of Chancery, presented.

The House being informed that Mr. Hore, from the Lord Chancellor's Secretary of Bankrupt's Office, attended at the door, he was called in; and at the bar presented to the House,-A Return to an Order of the House, dated the 9th day of this instant February, for an Account of the number of Bankrupt Petitions which stood for hearing before the Lord Chancellor and the Vice-Chancellor on the first day of Hilary Term 1830:-And then he withdrew.

Ordered, That the said Return do lie upon the Table.

Congleton and Buxton Road Bill, presented.

Mr. Egerton presented a Bill for repairing, amending and maintaining the Road from Congleton, in the County of Chester, to a Branch of the Leek Turnpike Road, at Thatchmarsh Bottom, in the Parish of Hartington, in the County of Derby, and from the Lowe to the Havannah Mills, in the said County of Chester: And the same was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time.

Ardwick Green and Wimslow Road Bill, presented.

Mr. Egerton presented a Bill for more effectually repairing and improving the Road from Chorlton-row, near Manchester, in the County Palatine of Lancaster, to the Bridge at the Corn Mills at Wilmslow, in the County Palatine of Chester: And the same was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time.

Radstock Roads Bill. presented.

Mr. Egerton presented a Bill for more effectually repairing and otherwise improving several Roads from Radstock to Buckland, Dinham, Kilmersdon, Babington and Hallatrow, and from Norton Down to Norton Saint Philip, in the County of Somerset: And the same was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time.

Rye Writ.

Ordered, That Mr. Speaker do issue his Warrant to the Clerk of the Crown, to make out a new Writ for the electing of a Baron to serve in this present Parliament for the Town and Port of Rye, in the room of Henry Bonham, Esquire, who, since his election for the said Town and Port, hath accepted the office of Steward or Bailiff of His Majesty's three Chiltern Hundreds of Stoke; Desborough and Bonenham, in the County of Buckingham.

Axmouth Harbour Petition, reported.

Sir Thomas Acland reported from the Committee on the Petition of John Hothersall Hallett, of Stedcombe, in the county of Devon, Esquire; That the Standing Orders relative to Bills for making Harbours, had been complied with, except that the last of the newspapers in which the Notice was inserted, is dated on the 1st December; but it appeared that the said newspaper, called The Alfred West-of-England Journal, is invariably published and circulated on the day preceding that on which it bears date; and that the said paper was received from Exeter at Axminster by coach coming from thence (a distance of twentyfive miles), and the Notice therein was read before several persons at the George Inn at Axminster, on the 30th November; and that the said paper is always published at Exeter on Monday, although it bears the date of Tuesday, and, in the present instance, it was published and circulated on Monday the 30th November; and that they had examined the matter of the Petition; and the Report was brought up, and read.

Ordered, That the Report be referred to the Select Committee on Standing Orders.

Brunswick Square (Brighton) Improvement Petition, reported.

Mr. Burrell reported from the Committee on the Petition of several Owners and Occupiers of houses in Brunswick Square and on Brunswick Terrace, in the parish of Hove, in the county of Sussex; That the Standing Orders relative to Bills for paving, lighting, cleansing or improving Cities or Towns had been complied with; and that they had examined the matter of the said Petition; and the Report was brought up, and read.

Ordered, That leave be given to bring in a Bill for paving, lighting, watching, cleansing and otherwise improving Brunswick Square and Brunswick Terrace, and certain Streets and other Public Places upon certain Grounds, late part of a Farm called the Wick Farm, in the Parish of Hove, in the County of Sussex: And that Mr. Burrell and Mr. Curteis do prepare, and bring it in.

New Chappel and Brighton Roads Bill, presented.

Mr. Burrell presented a Bill for more effectually repairing and maintaining the Road from New Chappel, in the County of Surrey, to Ditcheling Bost Hills, in the County of Sussex, and from thence to the town of Brighthelmston, in the same County; and also, for making and maintaining a Branch of Road from the Town of Ditcheling to Clayton, in the County of Sussex: And the same was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time.

Horsham and Guildford Road Bill, committed.

A Bill for more effectually repairing and improving the Road from Horsham to the Road leading to Guildford, at Alford Crossways, with two Branches therefrom, and for making and maintaining a new Branch of Road to communicate therewith, all in the Counties of Sussex and Surrey, was read a second time; and committed to Mr. Burrell, &c.: And they are to meet this Afternoon, in the Speaker's Chamber.

Kirkby and Pinxton Road Bill, presented.

Mr. Lumley presented a Bill for repairing and improving the Road from the Nottingham and Mansfield Turnpike Road through Kirkby and Pinxton to Carter-lane, and to the Colliery near Pinxton Green, in the Counties of Nottingham and Derby: And the same was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time.

Birmingham and Edgehill Road Bill, presented.

Mr. Dugdale presented a Bill for repairing the Road from Birmingham, through Warwick and Warmington, in the County of Warwick, to the utmost limits of the said County on Edgehill, and from Oakley Wood to Leamington Priors, in the same County: And the same was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time.

Stafford Improvement Petition, reported.

Mr. Dugdale reported from the Committee on the Petition of several Gentlemen, Merchants, Tradesmen and other Inhabitants of the borough of Stafford; That the Standing Orders relative to Bills for the Improvement of any City or Town had been complied with, except that the Notices required by the Standing Orders to be given on the Church-doors three Sundays, in the months of August, September, October or November, were given only on Sunday the 29th of November, the Solicitor for the Bill having been misled by the authority upon which he relied, by which he had been led to believe that Notices on the Church-door were not necessary at all; but that having accidentally learnt, on the 27th of November, that such Notices were required, he immediately proceeded to publish them, by affixing the Notice on the door of the two Parish Churches in the said town, on Sunday the 29th of November, and on Sunday the 6th, and Sunday the 13th of December; and that they had examined the matter of the Petition; and the Report was brought up, and read.

Ordered, That the Report be referred to the Select Committee on Standing Orders.

Essex Writ.

Ordered, That Mr. Speaker do issue his Warrant to the Clerk of the Crown, to make out a new Writ for the electing of a Knight of the Shire to serve in this present Parliament for the County of Essex, in the room of Admiral Sir Eliab Harvey, deceased.

Avon and Gloucestershire Railway Petition, reported.

Mr. Charles Dundas reported from the Committee on the Petition of the Avon and Gloucestershire Railway Company; That the Standing Orders relative to Bills for making Railways had been complied with; and that they had examined the matter of the Petition; and the Report was brought up, and read.

Ordered, That leave be given to bring in a Bill to alter the Line of the Avon and Gloucestershire Railway, to make certain Branches from the same, and to amend the Act for making the said Railway: And that Mr. Charles Dundas and Sir William Guise do prepare, and bring it in.

Wootton Bassett Road Bill, committed.

A Bill for more effectually repairing the Road from Wootton Bassett, in the County of Wilts, to the two-milestone in the Turnpike Road leading from Swindon to Marlborough, in the said County, was read a second time; and committed to Mr. Charles Dundas, &c.: And they are to meet this Afternoon, in the Speaker's Chamber.

Watling street Road Bill, committed.

A Bill for more effectually improving and maintaining the Wellington District of the Watling-street Road, in the County of Salop, was read a second time; and committed to Mr. Corbett, &c.: And they are to meet this Afternoon, in the Speaker's Chamber.

Leonard Stanley Inclosure Bill, presented.

Sir William Guise presented a Bill for inclosing Lands in the Parishes of Stanley Saint Leonard's, otherwise Leonard Stanley, and Eastington, or one of them, in the County of Gloucester, and for discharging from Tithes Lands in the said Parish of Stanley Saint Leonard's otherwise Leonard Stanley: And the same was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time.

Arle Inclosure Bill, presented.

Sir William Guise presented a Bill for inclosing Lands in the Tithings of Arle and Arlestone otherwise Arlstone, in the Parish of Cheltenham, in the County of Gloucester, and for discharging from Tithes Lands in the said Tithings: And the same was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time.

Clifton Bridge Petition, reported.

Sir William Guise reported from the Committee on the Petition of the Master, Wardens and Commonalty of Merchant Venturers of the city of Bristol, and of several Owners and Occupiers of estates, lands and grounds in the counties of Gloucester and Somerset; That the Standing Orders relative to Bills for building Bridges had been complied with; and that they had examined the matter of the Petition; and the Report was brought up, and read.

Ordered, That leave be given to bring in a Bill for building a Bridge over the River Avon, from Clifton, in the County of Gloucester, to the opposite side of the River, in the County of Somerset; and for making convenient Roads and Approaches to communicate therewith: And that Sir William Guise and Lord Edward Somerset do prepare, and bring it in.

Rawcliffe Inclosure Bill, presented.

Lord Stanley presented a Bill for dividing and inclosing certain Moss and other Grounds, in the Townships of Out Rawcliffe and Middle Rawcliffe, and Stalmine-withStainhall, in the Parishes of Saint Michael-upon-Wyer and Lancaster, in the County Palatine of Lancaster: And the same was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time.

Werneth and Littleborough Road Bill, presented.

Lord Stanley presented a Bill for improving and maintaining the Road from Werneth to Littleborough, and other Roads communicating therewith, in the County of Lancaster: And the same was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time.

Salford Improvement Bill, committed.

A Bill for better cleansing, lighting, watching, regulating and improving the Town of Salford, in the County Palatine of Lancaster, was read a second time; and committed to Lord Stanley, &c.: And they are to meet this Afternoon, in the Speaker's Chamber.

Liverpool Docks Petition, reported.

General Gascoyne reported from the Committee on the Petition of the Trustees of the Liverpool Docks; That the Standing Orders relative to Bills for making Docks had been complied with; and that they had examined the matter of the Petition; and the Report was brought up, and read.

Ordered, That leave be given to bring in a Bill for extending and amending the several Acts relating to the Docks and Harbour of Liverpool: And that General Gascoyne and Mr. Huskisson do prepare, and bring it in.

Report from Committee on Standing Orders.

Mr. Nicolson Calvert reported from the Select Committee, to whom shall be referred all Reports from Committees on Petitions for Private Bills, in which it shall be stated that any of the Standing Orders of this House have not been complied with, and that such Committee do report their opinion thereupon from time to time to the House; and to whom several Reports, stating that the Standing Orders have not been complied with, were referred; That they had made a further progress in the matters to them referred, and had come to a Resolution, which they had directed him to report to the House: And the same was read, and agreed to by the House; and is as followeth;

Warrington and Newton Railway.

Resolved, That in the case of the Warrington and Newton Railway Petition, the Parties be permitted to proceed with their Bill.

Leeds and Selby Railway Petition, reported.

Mr. Marshall reported from the Committee on the Petition of several Owners and Occupiers of estates within and other Inhabitants of the several towns, parishes, townships, hamlets or places thereinafter mentioned; That the Standing Orders relative to Bills for making Railways or Tramroads had been complied with; and that they had examined the matter of the Petition; and the Report was brought up, and read.

Ordered, That leave be given to bring in a Bill for making a Railway from the Town of Leeds to the River Ouse, within the Parish of Selby, in the West Riding of the County of York: And that Mr. Marshall and Lord Viscount Milton do prepare, and bring it in.

London Assurance Companies Bill, committed.

A Bill to enable the London Assurance Companies, and their Successors, to purchase Annuities upon or for Lives; and also, to lend Money or Stock upon Mortgage, for the purpose of Investment, was read a second time; and committed to Mr. Ward, &c.: And they are to meet this Afternoon, in the Speaker's Chamber.

Petition for Leave for London Arcade.

A Petition of several Owners and Occupiers of houses and other buildings in the city of London, was presented, and read; setting forth, That the making, constructing and maintaining an Arcade or Covered Way for foot passengers, with all suitable and commodious works, erections and conveniences attached thereto, or connected therewith, to commence on the south side of London Wall, in the parish of Saint Stephen Coleman-street, in the city of London, and extending to or passing over, through and into the said parish of Saint Stephen Coleman-street, and also the several parishes of Saint Margaret Lothbury, and Saint Bartholomew-by-the-Exchange, Saint Peter-le-Poer, and Allhallows-on-London Wall, to terminate at or near a place called Bank Chambers, in Lothbury, at the north end of Bartholomew-lane, all within the said city of London, would be a great accommodation to the public, and to the several inhabitants of those parts of the said city, and for persons passing from the Bank to Finsbury-square, and the streets and places contiguous thereto; and that the Petitioners, and several other persons, are willing and desirous, at their own expense, to form and erect such Arcade and Covered Way, and to erect and fit up shops and warehouses on each side thereof, and to make all necessary preparations for effecting the purposes aforesaid; and that the Petitioners gave instructions, upwards of two months since, to a solicitor, to take the necessary steps for applying to the House for leave to bring in a Bill for the purposes aforesaid, within the time limited for presenting Petitions for Private Bills; and that on Saturday last only, being the day after the time so limited for receiving such Petitions, the Petitioners discovered a Petition had not been presented to the House, and that the Petitioners have therefore taken the business out of the hands of such solicitor, and placed the same in the hands of another solicitor; and praying, That leave may be given to present a Petition for leave to bring in a Bill for effecting the purposes aforesaid.

Ordered, That the said Petition be referred to a Committee:-And it is referred to Mr. Bernal, &c.: And they are to meet To-morrow, in the Speaker's Chamber; and have Power to send for persons papers and records.

Sub-letting Act Amendment (Ireland) Bill, presented. No. 69.

Lord Francis Leveson Gower presented a Bill to explain and amend an Act made in the seventh year of His present Majesty, with respect to the Assignment and Sub-letting of Lands and Tenements in Ireland: And the same was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time upon Thursday next.

Ordered, That the Bill be printed.

Petition for repeal of Tax on Leather (Ireland).

A Petition of the Tanners of the county of Monaghan, was presented, and read; setting forth, That the Petitioners humbly beg leave to thank the House for the wisdom and feeling they have already displayed in taking off a portion of the Taxes which for years have pressed heavily on the people of that Kingdom; they are impressed with the fullest conviction of the intention of the Legislature to ameliorate the condition of the people, as far as it is compatible with the support of the State; they beg leave to lay before the House the almost ruinous state of the Leather Trade, convinced that, if the House take their distressed situation into profound deliberation, they will do what justice points out for the relief of the Petitioners, in accordance with their well-considered Acts towards other branches of mercantile interest similarly circumstanced; and praying the House to take their case into consideration, and grant a total repeal of the Duty on Leather.

Ordered, That the said Petition do lie upon the Table; and be printed.

Petitions complaining of Agricultural Distress.

A Petition of Inhabitants of the parish of Broughton; -of the parishes of East Stratton and Micheldever;-of the parish of Burclere;-of the parish of Longstock, in the county of Southampton;-and, of the Merchants, Traders and other Inhabitants of the town of Bury Saint Edmund's,-were presented, and read; setting forth, That the Petitioners beg to represent to the House, that the agriculture and commerce of the country are labouring under peculiar and unprecedented difficulties, which appear to increase so rapidly, that the Petitioners look forward to the future with the most anxious fears, apprehensive that some dreadful crisis may occur; they beg to declare, that the pressure is not confined to one class only, but that all the industrious classes alike suffer; commerce is embarrassed and confidence destroyed, not in the integrity of men, but their ability to fulfil their obligations; stagnation often prevails in the markets, and sacrifices are daily made to meet existing engagements, while, at the same time, the want of employment and the reduced wages of the labourer are productive of grievous sufferings to them, and the poor-houses and gaols are crowded to an unprecedented degree; and praying the House to take the present alarming state of the Country into their most serious consideration, and to adopt such measures as may be most conducive to the revival of its former prosperity.

And the said Petitions were ordered to lie upon the Table; and that the last be printed.

Petition for reduction of Taxes.

A Petition of the Ribbon Manufacturers, Weavers and other Inhabitants of Bedworth, in the county of Warwick, was presented, and read; setting forth, That the Petitioners are mainly, and in the great majority of instances, entirely dependent on the manufacture of Ribbons for their support; and although some of them have been employed in the Ribbon Trade more than half a century, they have never experienced any thing like the calamity and distress which has so generally prevailed during the last twelve or fifteen months; and praying, That the House will take their distressed situation into serious consideration, and adopt such measures as shall be calculated to ensure their permanent relief, which, the Petitioners imagine, can only be effected by a suspension of the present partial system of free trade, till the Corn Laws are abolished, and such a general reduction of taxation is made as shall place the Petitioners on equal terms with the manufacturers and operatives of other countries.

Ordered, That the said Petition do lie upon the Table; and be printed.

Account of Duty on Boots and Shoes, ordered.

Ordered, That there be laid before this House, an Account of the amount of Duty paid upon Boots, Shoes, Slippers or Calashes; distinguishing those made of leather, silk, or satin or stuff, imported from France, or other Countries not British Possessions, during the years 1827, 1828 and 1829; the several Ports at which the entry was made, and the several Places in Great Britain to which such Articles were consigned.

Petitions against Renewal of East India Charter.

A Petition of several Merchants, Traders and Householders of the city of Waterford and the adjoining districts;-and, of John Bolling, Boroughreeve of Great Bolton, and Chairman of a public meeting of several merchants, spinners, manufacturers and tradesmen of the towns of Great and Little Bolton and the neighbourhood in the county of Lancaster, were presented, and read; setting forth, That the Petitioners are impressed with the important benefits that would result to the British nation at large, from an extension of commerce with China and British India, and which is fully proved by the great increase which has taken place in the trade with India since its partial opening in 1814; and praying that a Committee may be appointed forthwith, to inquire into the present state of the trade with China and other Eastern countries, with the view to the admission of British subjects generally to a participation of the commerce of the eastern part of the world; and further praying, That the House will not allow the period to elapse which is by law required to give notice for the termination of the existing Charter of the East India Company.

And the said Petitions were ordered to be referred to the Select Committee on East India Company's Affairs.

Petitions for continuing Fishery Bounties (Ireland.)

A Petition of Landed Proprietors, Merchants, Traders, Boat Owners, Fishermen and Fish Curers of the town of Dungarvon, in the county of Waterford;-and, of several Fishermen, Boat Owners, Fish Curers, and other Inhabitants of the town of Youghal, in the county of Cork, interested in the Long-line Fishery, were presented and read; setting forth, That the Petitioners have learned with great alarm and regret, that it is in contemplation to withdraw and abolish the present system of Bounties upon the Cure of Fish in Ireland; that under the Bounty system, the Fisheries of those Ports, in common with the rest of that part of the kingdom, has progressively improved; and the Petitioners are impressed with gratitude for the fostering encouragement granted by the Legislature to the Coast Fisheries, and the benefits derived from the judicious arrangements of the Irish Fishery Board, which have not only afforded to thousands of industrious poor the very means of participating in the beneficial advantages of the Fisheries (who would otherwise be still in helpless poverty and destitution), but has given a valuable stimulus to the exertions of all those heretofore employed in that important branch of our national wealth; and praying for such legislative aid and protection of the Irish Fisheries by a continuance of the Bounty system, or in such other manner as to the wisdom of the House may appear expedient.

And the said Petitions were ordered to lie upon the Table; and to be printed.

Return of Customs and Excise Duties (Ireland), ordered.

Ordered, That there be laid before this House, a Return of the amount of the Duties of Customs and Excise, in each of the last ten years, in the several Revenue Districts of Ireland; distinguishing the years and the Districts.

Order for Poor Law Amendment Bill, discharged.

The House was moved, That the Order made upon Thursday last, That leave be given to bring in a Bill to declare and amend that part of the Poor Law relating to the Employment and Relief of able-bodied persons, and for the better rating Tenements which are under a certain annual value, might be read; and the same being read;

Ordered, That the said Order be discharged.

Another Bill, ordered.

Ordered, That leave be given to bring in a Bill to prevent Abuses of the Poor Laws, by declaring and amending the Law relating to the Employment and Payment of able-bodied Labourers from the Poor Rates; and for the better rating Tenements under a certain annual value: And that Mr. Slaney, Lord Viscount Althorp and Sir Thomas Fremantle do prepare, and bring it in.

Petition for repeal of Malt and Beer Duties.

A Petition of Owners and Occupiers of land, and other Inhabitants in the hundred of Babergh, in the county of Suffolk, was presented, and read; setting forth, That the Petitioners consider it their bounden duty to represent to the House the overwhelming distress which pervades the agricultural and manufacturing classes; and that unless the present urgent distress be speedily relieved, it must produce most disastrous consequences, hazardous to the peace and safety of the kingdom at large; and praying the House to investigate the state of the country, and to rectify with firmness and vigour the innumerable abuses which affect its prosperity; and, as a commencement, forthwith to repeal all the Taxes upon Malt and Beer, and a greater part of the assessed taxes, thereby in some degree immediately relieving the distressed labourer and mechanic, and creating amongst the people of that class and themselves patience and hope under extreme privations.

Ordered, That the said Petition do lie upon the Table; and be printed.

Returns, presented: Debtors.

Mr. William Peel presented to the House, pursuant to their Addresses to His Majesty,-a Return of the number of Prisoners for Debt committed to the custody of the Keepers of the King's Bench, the Fleet, Whitecross-street, the Marshalsea and Horsemonger-lane Prisons, in the year 1829; distinguishing those in custody under Mesne Process, or under Judgments recovered, or for Costs of Suit; stating how many for sums above £.100, for sums between £.50 and £.100, for sums between £.50 and £20, and the number of those under £.20 (excluding Crown Debtors, prisoners for Contempt of Court, and persons committed by process out of the Courts of Request); stating also, the number in custody in each of those prisons on 1st January 1830:-a Return of the number of Warrants granted for Debt; distinguishing whether upon Mesne Process or on Writs of Execution against the person, by the Sheriffs of London and Middlesex, and by the Sheriff of Surrey, and the number of bailable processes executed by them in the year 1829:-and, a Return of the number of Debtors committed to the Whitecross-street and Horsemonger-lane Prisons on process out of the Courts of Request, during each of the last two years ending 1st January 1830; stating the aggregate amount of debts and costs separately, in each prison, in each year; showing, in classes, the number confined from one to less than ten days, for ten days and less than thirty, fifty, seventy and one hundred days, in each year; stating also, the amount paid out of the County or other Rates for the maintenance and support of such prisoners, in each year, as accurately as possible.

Ecclesiastical Courts.

Returns from all Courts and other Authorities in England and Wales empowered to grant Probate of Wills and Letters of Administration; stating the date of the earliest Wills in their respective Registries, the period at which there commences a regular series of original Wills, and recorded Copies of Administration, Bonds, and Inventories of Act, Books of Probates and Administrations, and of Indexes to the said Records, together with a Statement of any occasional chasms that may occur in and an accurate detail of the state and condition of the said Records:- Returns of the number of Wills proved, and Letters of Administration granted, in the several Jurisdictions respectively so empowered in the years 1826, 1827 and 1828; and in cases where no Wills have been proved, nor Letters of Administration granted in any Jurisdiction within the afore-mentioned period, the date of the last Will proved, or Letters of Administration granted to be stated:-a Return of the amount of Fees, Profits and Emoluments of every description which have been received by the Judge, Record Keeper, Auditor of Accounts, all Deputies and Assistant Clerks, and all other persons in the Ecclesiastical and Manorial Courts in England (except the Prerogative Court of Canterbury), from 1825 to 1828, both inclusive: -and, a Return of the Fees, Profits and Emoluments of the Registrars, Deputy Registrars and Proctors, on taking out Probates and Administrations in the Ecclesiastical and Manorial Courts in England (except the Prerogative Court of Canterbury), stating the different Charges and Fees in detail.

Ordered, That the said Returns do lie upon the Table.

Petitions for removing Disabilities affecting the Jews.

A Petition of Moses Solomon of Portsea, in the county of Hants, Navy Agent, was presented, and read; setting forth, That the Petitioner is of the Jewish persuasion, and having seen with the greatest satisfaction the repeal of the Test and Corporation Acts, as well as a Bill passed for the Emancipation of the Roman Catholics, and the great and general satisfaction it has given throughout the country, has induced the Petitioner most humbly to address the House, imploring that they will be pleased to take into their most serious consideration the civil disabilities under which the Jews, the natural-born subjects of His Majesty are labouring; and that they will, as in their judgment may seem most proper, either repeal or enact such laws as may place them upon an equality with the rest of His Majesty's subjects.

A Petition of several natural-born Subjects of His Majesty professing the Jewish religion, was also presented, and read; setting forth, That the Petitioners are severally natural-born subjects of His Majesty, professing the Jewish religion; that the Petitioners have witnessed with the highest gratification the relief recently afforded by Parliament to those classes of His Majesty's subjects, who heretofore were, by reason of their peculiar religious opinions, excluded from civil offices and employments, but that the Petitioners apprehend that the measures thus intended for the general benefit of His Majesty's subjects dissenting from the Established Church of this realm, so far from improving the civil condition of the Petitioners, may be so construed as to impose upon them further restraints and disabilities; that in an Act passed during the session of Parliament held in the 9th year of the reign of His said present Majesty, for the repeal of certain provisions affecting the qualification for certain officers and employments (and which Act was passed for the relief of dissenters from the Established Church), a form of declaration is directed to be made and subscribed by all persons desirous of availing themselves of the benefit of that Act, which declaration purports, and is expressed to be made, "on the true faith of a Christian;" that similar restrictive words are contained in the oath of abjuration; that the phrase "upon the true faith of a Christian," contained in the said declaration and oath respectively, constitutes the sole ground for the various civil disabilities and incapacities which affect the Petitioners under the Acts imposing the said declaration and oath, the Petitioners being fully prepared to subscribe to the same in the spirit and intent thereof, and the Petitioners thus remain the only class of individuals in the community who will not participate in the general benefit resulting from the relief afforded to all others of His Majesty's subjects not being members of the Established Church; that persons professing the Jewish religion are permitted in all courts of justice to take the requisite oaths, whether as jurors or witnesses, on the Old Testament only, but doubts have been entertained, whether in qualifying for offices, the Petitioners can be allowed to take the requisite oaths in the same mode, and it is expedient that such doubts should be removed; that the Petitioners, with the utmost deference, submit that the invariable loyalty and good conduct of the Jewish community entitle them to look to the Legislature for an equal measure of liberality and indulgence to that dispensed in the two last sessions of Parliament in favour of both Protestant and Roman Catholic dissenters; the Petitioners therefore most humbly pray the House will take into favourable consideration the peculiar grievances of the Petitioners, and will adopt such legislative measures for the removal thereof, as to the House in its wisdom shall seem meet.

And the said Petitions were ordered to lie upon the Table; and that the last be printed.

Poor Law Amendment Bill, presented. No. 68.

Mr. Slaney presented a Bill to prevent Abuses of the Poor Laws, by declaring and amending the Law relating to the employment and payment of Able-bodied Labourers from the Poor Rates, and for the better rating Tenements under a certain Annual Value: And the same was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time upon Monday next.

Ordered, That the Bill be printed.

Leave of Absence.

Ordered, That Lord Viscount Forbes have leave of absence for a month, on urgent private business.

Account of Duties and Taxes, or dered.

Ordered, That there be laid before this House, an Account of the yearly produce of the Duties on the following articles, viz. Cotton Wool, Sheep and Lambs' Wool, Coals and Culm carried coastways, Hides and Skins, Soap, Glass, Coffee, Silk Manufactures, Brandy, Rum, Geneva, British Spirits, Sugar, Tobacco, Wines, Malt, Beer, Candles, Hops, Tea, Windows, Carriages, Houses, Servants, Legacies, Probates, Administrations, and Testamentary Inventories, from the year 1792 to the latest time at which the said Account can be made up; showing the rate of Duty in each year.

Paupers Removal Bill, committed.

Ordered, That the Order of the day, for the second reading of the Bill to repeal the Provisions of certain Acts relating to the Removal of Vagrant and Poor Persons born in the Isles of Jersey and Guernsey, and chargeable to Parishes in England, and to make other Provisions in lieu thereof, be now read; and the same being read:- The Bill was read a second time; and committed to a Committee of the whole House for Thursday next.

Report Ways and Means.

Ordered, That the Report from the Committee of the whole House, to whom it was referred to consider of Ways and Means for raising the Supply granted to His Majesty, be now received;

Sir Alexander Grant accordingly reported from the Committee, the Resolutions which they had directed him to report to the House; and the same were read, and agreed to by the House; and are as followeth;

Transfer of Aids.

1. Resolved, That towards making good the Supply granted to His Majesty, the sum of Two millions and five hundred thousand pounds, a part of the sum now remaining in the Exchequer, or remaining to be received on the 1st day of February 1830, to complete the Aids granted by Parliament for the service of the year 1829, be applied to the service of the year 1830.

Application of Money out of the Consolidated Fund.

2. Resolved, That towards making good the Supply granted to His Majesty, there be issued and applied the sum of Four millions, out of the Consolidated Fund of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland.

Ordered, That a Bill be brought in upon the said Resolutions: And that Sir Alexander Grant, Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, Lord Granville Somerset, Lord Eliot, Mr. Attorney General, Mr. Solicitor General, Mr. Dawson and Mr. Planta do prepare, and bring it in.

Committee of Supply.

Ordered, That the Order of the day, for the House to resolve itself into a Committee of the whole House to consider further of the Supply granted to His Majesty, be now read; and the same being read:-The House resolved itself into the Committee.

(In the Committee.)

A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed; That it is the opinion of this Committee, that a sum, not exceeding Three millions and fifteen thousand three hundred and thirty-three pounds two shillings and seven-pence be granted to His Majesty, for defraying the Charge of His Majesty's Land Forces for service in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, and on Stations abroad (excepting the regiments employed in the territorial possessions of the East India Company) from the 25th day of December 1829 to the 24th day of December 1830.

Whereupon a Motion was made, and the Question being put, That it is the opinion of this Committee, that a sum, not exceeding Two millions and five hundred and fifty thousand pounds, be granted to His Majesty, for defraying the Charge of His Majesty's Land Forces for Service in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, and on Stations abroad (excepting the regiments employed in the territorial possessions of the East India Company) from the 25th day of December 1829 to the 24th day of December 1830; the Committee divided.

Original Question put;

Resolved, That it is the opinion of this Committee, That a sum, not exceeding Three millions and fifteen thousand three hundred and thirty-three pounds two shillings and seven-pence, be granted to His Majesty, for defraying the charge of His Majesty's Land Forces for Service in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, and on Stations abroad (excepting the regiments employed in the territorial possessions of the East India Company) from the 25th day of December 1829 to the 24th day of December 1830.

A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That it is the opinion of this Committee, That a sum, not exceeding One hundred and nine thousand three hundred and forty-seven pounds eleven shillings and four-pence, be granted to His Majesty, for defraying the charge of General Staff Officers and Officers of the Hospitals, serving with His Majesty's Forces in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland and on Foreign Stations (excepting India) for the year 1830.

Whereupon a Motion was made, and the Question being put, That it is the opinion of this Committee, That a sum, not exceeding Ninety-four thousand three hundred and fortyseven pounds eleven shillings and four-pence, be granted to His Majesty, for defraying the charge of General Staff Officers, and Officers of the Hospitals, serving with His Majesty's Forces, in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, and on Foreign Stations (excepting India) for the year 1830; the Committee divided.

Original Question put;

Resolved, That it is the opinion of this Committee, That a sum, not exceeding One hundred and nine thousand three hundred and forty-seven pounds eleven shillings and four pence, be granted to His Majesty, for defraying the charge of General Staff Officers and Officers of the Hospitals, serving with His Majesty's Forces in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, and on Foreign Stations (excepting India) for the year 1830.

A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That it is the opinion of this Committee, That a sum not exceeding One hundred and six thousand five hundred and thirty pounds fifteen shillings and threepence, be granted to His Majesty, for defraying the charge of the Allowances to the principal officers of the several Public departments in Great Britain and Ireland, their deputies, clerks and contingent expenses for the year 1830.

Whereupon a Motion was made, and the Question being put, That it is the opinion of this Committee, That a sum, not exceeding Ninety-five thousand pounds be granted to His Majesty, for defraying the charge of the Allowances to the principal Officers of the several public Departments in Great Britain and Ireland, their deputies, clerks and contingent expenses for the year 1830; the Committee divided.

Original Question put;

Resolved, That it is the opinion of this Committee, That a sum, not exceeding One hundred and six thousand five hundred and thirty pounds fifteen shillings and three pence, be granted to His Majesty, for defraying the charge of the Allowances to the principal officers of the several Public departments in Great Britain and Ireland, their deputies, clerks and contingent expenses for the year 1830.

Resolved, That it is the opinion of this Committee, That a sum, not exceeding Fourteen thousand four hundred and twenty pounds, be granted to His Majesty, for defraying the charge of Medicines and Surgical Materials for His Majesty's Land Forces, and of certain Hospital Contingencies for the year 1830.

A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That it is the opinion of this Committee, That a sum, not exceeding Sixty thousand six hundred and twelve pounds eight shillings and one penny, be granted to His Majesty, for defraying the charge of Volunteer Corps in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, for the year 1830.

Whereupon a Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That it is the opinion of this Committee, that a sum, not exceeding Fifty thousand six hundred and twelve pounds eight shillings and one penny, be granted to His Majesty, for defraying the charge of Volunteer Corps in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, for the year 1830;

The said Motion was, with leave of the Committee, withdrawn.

And the original Question being again proposed;

A Motion was made, and the Question being put, That it is the opinion of this Committee, that a sum, not exceeding Seventeen thousand eight hundred and seven pounds eight shillings and one penny, be granted to His Majesty, for defraying the charge of Volunteer Corps in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, for the year 1830; the Committee divided.

Original Question put;

Resolved, That it is the opinion of this Committee, That asum, not exceeding Sixty thousand six hundred and twelve pounds eight shillings and one penny, be granted to His Majesty, for defraying the charge of Volunteer Corps in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, for the year 1830.

To report Progress, and ask leave to sit again.

Mr. Speaker resumed the Chair; and Sir Alexander Grant reported from the Committee, That they had made a progress in the matters to them referred; and that he was directed by the Committee to move, That they may have leave to sit again.

And the House having continued to sit till after twelve of the clock on Tuesday morning;

Martis, 23 die Februarii, 1830:

Resolved, That this House will, To-morrow, again resolve itself into the said Committee.

Illusory Appointments Bill, committed.

A Bill to alter and amend the Law relating to Illusory Appointments was, according to Order, read a second time; and committed to a Committee of the whole House, for To-morrow.

Property in Infants, &c. Bill, committed.

A Bill for amending the Laws respecting Conveyances and Transfers of Estates and Funds vested in Trustees and Mortgagees, and for enabling Courts of Equity to give effect to their Decrees and Orders in certain cases, was, according to Order, read a second time; and committed to a Committee of the whole House, for To-morrow.

Lunatics Property Bill, committed.

A Bill for consolidating and amending the Laws relating to Property belonging to infants, femes covert, idiots, lunatics, and persons of unsound mind, was, according to Order, read a second time; and committed to a Committee of the whole House, for To-morrow.

Liability of Real Property Bill, committed.

A Bill for consolidating and amending the Laws for facilitating the Payment of Debts out of Real Estate, was, according to Order, read a second time; and committed to a Committee of the whole House, for To-morrow.

Contempt in Equity Bill, committed.

A Bill for altering and amending the Law regarding Commitments by Courts of Equity for Contempts, and the taking Bills pro Confesso, was, according to Order, read a second time; and committed to a Committee of the whole House, for To-morrow.

County Palatine of Durham Bill, committed.

A Bill for extending certain Provisions of an Act of the eighth year of Queen Anne, "for the better Security of Rents, and to prevent Frauds committed by Tenants," regarding Executions to certain process in use within the County Palatine of Durham and Sadberge, was, according to Order, read a second time; and committed to a Committee of the whole House, for this day.

Committee on Smugglers Families Maintenance Bill; No. 70.

The House, according to Order, resolved itself into a Committee of the whole House, upon the Bill for the relief of Parishes from the expenses of maintaining the wives and families of men convicted under the Laws for the prevention of Smuggling, and sentenced to serve His Majesty in His Naval service; and after some time spent therein, Mr. Speaker resumed the chair; and Mr. Dawson reported from the Committee, That they had gone through the Bill, and made several Amendments thereunto.

Ordered, That the Report be now received.

reported.

Mr. Dawson accordingly reported from the Committee the Amendments which they had made to the Bill; and the Report was brought up, and read.

Ordered, That the Report be taken into further consideration upon Monday the 15th day of March next.

Ordered, That the Bill, as amended, be printed.

Ways and Means, daferred.

The Order of the day being read for the House to resolve itself into a Committee of the whole House, to consider further of Ways and Means for raising the Supply granted to His Majesty;

Resolved, That this House will To-morrow resolve itself into the said Committee.

Report Supply deferred.

The Order of the day being read, for receiving the Report from the Commitee of the whole House, to whom it was referred to consider further of the Supply granted to His Majesty;

Ordered, That the Report be received this day.

Game Bill, ordered.

Ordered, That leave be given to bring in a Bill to consolidate and amend the Laws in England relative to Game, and to authorize the sale of Game: And that the Marquis of Chandos and Sir Thomas Fremantle do prepare, and bring it in.

Dramatic Writings Bill, ordered.

The House was moved, That the Act 54 Geo. 3, c. 156, to amend the several Acts for the encouragement of Learning, by securing the Copies and Copyright of printed Books to the Authors of such Books, or their Assigns, might be read; and the same being read;

Ordered, That leave be given to bring in a Bill to alter and extend the provisions of the said Act, with respect to Dramatic Writings: And that Mr. Lamb and Sir James Mackintosh do prepare, and bring it in.

Game Bill, presented. No. 71.

The Marquis of Chandos presented a Bill to consolidate and amend the Laws in England relative to Game, and to authorize the Sale of Game: And the same was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time upon Tuesday, the 9th day of March next.

Ordered, That the Bill be printed.

Bridport Roads Bill, committed.

A Bill for better repairing the Second District of Turnpike Roads leading to and from the Town of Bridport, in the County of Dorset, and for making and maintaining several Branch Roads to communicate with the same, was read a second time; and committed to Mr. Portman, &c.: And they are to meet this Afternoon, in the Speaker's Chamber.

And then the House, having continued to sit till half an hour after twelve of the clock on Tuesday morning, adjourned till this day.