HC Deb 19 January 1832 vol 9 c594
Mr. Hunt

presented a Petition from the United Political Unions of Manchester, in favour of the principle of the Reform Bill, but complaining of that clause which made an invidious distinction between the renter of a house of 10l. a year and one who paid a shilling less.

The Speaker

asked how the petition was signed.

Mr. Hunt

said, it was from the members of the Political Union at Manchester, in public meeting assembled, and signed on behalf of the meeting by Henry Graves, their Chairman.

The Speaker

There is nothing to disqualify Mr. Graves from signing a petition, in his being a member of a Political Union, but the House cannot receive a petition signed by one individual on behalf of a body of men, except that individual be the legally recognized organ of that body. Where a petition is presented from several individuals, it must be signed by those individuals, except in cases of a corporation or chartered body.

Mr. Hunt

begged to withdraw the petition.

Petition withdrawn.