§ Order of the Day for the Second Reading, read.
§ THE MARQUESS OF RIPON, in moving that the Bill be now read a second time, explained that its object was to give to all municipal boroughs in England the power of conferring their honorary freedom on distinguished men. Burghs in Scotland possessed the power, as did also the City of London; and he knew of no reason why other important towns in England should not be placed in the same position. His attention had first been drawn to the subject in his capacity of High Steward of Hull. The citizens of that town desired to have the 130 power which the Bill would confer, and he had endeavoured to effect their object by introducing a clause for that purpose in a Private Bill. The noble Earl on the Woolsack, as Chairman of Committees, had, however, objected to that course, and he had consequently introduced the present Bill, which had the approval of the Home Secretary and of the Leader of the Opposition in their Lordships' House.
§ Motion agreed to; Bill read 2a accordingly, and committed to a Committee of the Whole House on Monday next.