§ Mr. P. Thompsonpresented a petition from certain merchants of London, praying "for the Repeal of the Usury Laws." The hon. member took occasion to say, that if any intention existed of taking the sense of the House I upon his motion, which stood for that evening, for the repeal of the Usury-laws, he would postpone it to a future day.
§ Sir R. Williamsexpressed his determination to divide the House on the question.
§ Mr. Calcraftsaid, he also would oppose the motion, though he would have no objection to the bill being read a first time pro forma, if it were made a government measure.
Mr. Maberlyexpressed his surprise that the agricultural interest should be adverse to the repeal of the laws which restrained the commerce in money.
Mr. Secretary Peelthought it would be best to fix a day for the discussion of the question. He was sorry he could not undertake that government would bring forward the measure.
§ Sir G. Philipsthought it betrayed great partiality in hon. members to declare their intention to oppose a motion before they had heard the grounds on which it was to be supported.
§ Mr. Brightsaid, the question had already been so often discussed, that every person must be supposed to be acquainted with its merits.
§ Sir J. Wrottesleydeclared himself unwilling to adopt any theoretical opinions upon the subject, unless they were reconcileable with experience, which was, after all, the best guide that practical men could adopt.
§ Ordered to lie on the table.