HC Deb 17 February 1831 vol 2 cc654-5
Lord John Russell

presented a Petition from the inhabitants of Crete, complaining of their suffering under the Turkish Government in that island.

Mr. Hume

was desirous of knowing whether any person, not being a British subject, had a right to petition that House; and he also wished to know if the petitioners were British subjects.

Lord John Russell

said, they certainly were not British subjects; but they thought themselves included in the Treaty of 1827, and were desirous of partaking of its benefits.

Mr. North

thought, that the limitation to petitions supposed to exist by the hon. member for Middlesex was much too narrow; but it would be, at all events, desir- able that some rule should be laid down upon the subject.

The Speaker

said, that a very important question was suggested to the consideration of the House by the hon. member for Middlesex — viz., whether petitions from persons who neither owed allegiance to, nor could claim the protection of, this country could be received. The object of the petitioners was, to obtain the interference of the Crown of Great Britain, to protect them from the miseries under which they were at the present moment labouring. Was this a petition at all? and, if so, was it not a petition to the Crown of Great Britain solely? The petition did not appear to contain any matter which brought it within the jurisdiction of the House of Commons. It commenced "Honourable Sirs," and stated, that "On the renowned English people, the lovers of liberty, the patrons and protectors of the injured, the Cretans placed their last hope of salvation, looking up to them for the advocacy of the cause of Crete." It was clear that the petition could not be received by the House of Commons. It was an address to the English nation.

Lord John Russell

said, that after this declaration on the part of the Speaker, he could have no hesitation in withdrawing the petition. Though he had felt that he could not refuse to present a petition on behalf of persons enduring such great sufferings, he had, at the same time, had some doubts as to its reception.

O'Gorman Mahon

regretted the decision to which the noble Lord had come. The French Chamber of Deputies did not refuse to receive the addresses of foreign nations.

Lord L. Gower

said, that if such addresses were received, it would lead to great confusion in public affairs.

Mr. Ruthven

observed, that the subjects of this country never addressed other governments.

Petition withdrawn.