HL Deb 13 April 1840 vol 53 c1004
The Marquess of Lansdowne

rose to move the second reading of the Tithe Commutation Act Amendment Bill. He trusted that his motion would meet with no objection on the part of their Lordships, as it had met with no objection on the part of the right rev, Prelate at the head of the church. He would not detain the House by explaining to them the details of the measure, but he would merely apprise them of the nature and object of the bill. In any great change of property, especially during the time when the change itself was taking place, some evil, inconvenience, irritation, and injury, were sure to arise. This had occurred with regard to this measure. The aim of this bill was to render as effective and as practicable as possible the change that had taken place with regard to the payment of tithes. The bill provided, that when the rent-charge was settled the tithe payer should have the option of taking upon himself the payment of the rent-charge, and that he should be able to give security to the tithe proprietor. He expected that in its operation this measure would be found beneficial to all parties. He would not detain their Lordships by any further remarks. Some of the clauses might require consideration, though he could assure the House that they had been prepared with diligence and care.

Bill read a second time.