HC Deb 08 February 1831 vol 2 cc244-5
Mr. R. Palmer

presented a Petition from the Gentry and Free-holders of the County of Berks, praying the House to co-operate with his Majesty's Ministers in securing a rational, fundamental, and effectual Reform. This petition was agreed to at a County Meeting of the highest respectability; and looking, as he did, at the constitution of the Government at the present moment, and having heard from the noble Lord (Lord Althorp), that they were agreed on a plan of Reform, he indulged an earnest hope that he should be able to comply with the wishes of his constituents, and give their plan his support. He felt bound to add, that a Resolution in favour of the Ballot had been adopted with but a few dissenting voices, although it formed no part of the petition.

Mr. Dundas, as the other Representative of the county, felt bound to say that the petition was supported by all parties and opinions, and that they completely concurred in its prayer. He trusted that the plan of his Majesty's Government would be such as to combine all parties in its favour, and enable them to avoid all the violence which was to be as much apprehended from the supporters as the opponents of Reform.

Petition to be printed.