HC Deb 25 August 1831 vol 6 cc640-1
Mr. John Weyland

presented a Petition, praying, that a chapel in the parish of Huntington might be excepted from the operation of the Bill.

Mr. John Wood

was happy to observe this Bill had excited attention. He remembered that the House divided seven times in one night upon the Act which this Bill was to amend, and as this Bill was introduced by the same parties as the former one, without at all knowing the objects or merits of it, he thought there was some reason to complain that it had passed the second reading, in the confusion caused by the great division a few nights since. He therefore desired some opportunity for considering its provisions in Committee, and he should use every means to throw it out.

Mr. Hume

said, he was most unwilling to enlarge the powers of the Commissioners. The parish of St. Luke's, Middlesex, was now severely suffering from their acts, contrary to the united opinion of 2,000 Vestrymen, who protested against a third church being erected in the parish. The two at present existing were sufficient for the accommodation of the parishioners, yet the third church was built, and the unfortunate parish saddled with the expenses. He thought the Commission was a great evil, and had been a source of patronage and jobbing, instead of advantage to religion. He therefore hoped, that a full opportunity would be afforded for a thorough examination of the Bill.

Mr. Hughes Hughes

begged to assure the House, that the Bill would materially abridge the power of the Commissioners, and was intended to afford individuals facilities to erect churches by their own means. As he had moved the previous stages of the Bill, he requested the hon. and learned member for Preston to believe, that he was not aware of his intention to oppose its principles. He should now, however, leave it to Government, but he requested Gentlemen to read it, and he felt assured of their support.

Petition to be printed.