§ Mr. Sheriff Magnay appeared at the bar with a Petition from the lord mayor and corporation of London, praying that no alteration might be made in the Corn Laws during this session.
§ The Speakerthought it his duty to notice, that this Petition was presented by only one of the sheriffs. He had no doubt that a satisfactory reason could be assigned to the House for the non-attendance of the either, as the form required.
§ Sir J. Shawstated, that the other sheriff was indisposed.
§ The Speakersaid, that this was, of course, a perfectly satisfactory reason for his absence.
The Petition was brought up, and read; setting forth, "That the petitioners have attentively, considered the proceedings 990 now pending in the House, for regulating the importation of corn into the United Kingdom; and that the alterations proposed to be made in the laws for regulating the importation of corn appear to the petitioners to be matter of the most serious importance; and it would be highly desirable that no material alteration should take place therein until a more ample trial has been had of their effect, under existing circumstances; and praying, that the consideration of the proceedings for regulating the importation of corn may be adjourned to the next session; whereby a more accurate judgment and opinion can be formed than at this time, and the fullest opportunity would be thereby afforded for the due consideration of a question of such magnitude."
§ Ordered to lie upon the table.