§ Mr. F. Lewispresented a Petition, signed by 800 Master Bakers, praying that the Bill now in progress through the House for the purpose of abolishing the assize of bread in London and its vicinity, might be passed into a law.
§ The Petition, after a few words from Alderman Atkins, was laid on the table.
§ Mr. Alderman Atkinspresented a Petition from the Master and Wardens of the Bakers Company, against the Bill. The Petition complained that the measure had been introduced at so late a period of the session; and expressed the conviction of the petitioners, that it would be mischievous to them, and not at all beneficial to the public.
§ Mr. F. Lewissaid, it at first sight must appear strange, that two parties, seemingly connected with the same trade, should express sentiments so very dissimilar. But the fact was, that scarcely a person whose name was signed to the last Petition was a baker. The petitioners, though calling themselves bakers, were chiefly mealmen and flour-factors.
§ Mr. Alderman Atkinssupported the allegations contained in the Petition.
§ Mr. Alderman C. Smithobserved, that last session he had introduced a Bill nearly similar to that now before the House, and he had every reason to believe that the bakers were perfectly satisfied with it.
Mr. Rosesaid, the Bill went merely to abolish the assize, and the principle had been long considered, both by the House and by the trade. No further delay was, therefore, necessary. It was, he conceived, most desirable that the Bill should pass in the present session.
§ Mr. Lockhartcould see no reason for refusing to try an experiment, under the regulations proposed in the Bill, for a year. If, at the expiration of that time, it was not found to answer, the bakers could come before the House, armed with facts, instead of arguments and assertions.
§ The Petition was laid on the table.
§ Mr. F. Lewismoved the Order of the Day for the further consideration of the report of the Bread Assize Repeal Bill.
§ Mr. Alderman Atkinsasked the hon. gentleman whether it was his intention to press this Bill through the House during the present session?
§ Mr. F. Lewissaid, he was so satisfied of the importance of this Bill, that it was his intention to press it through the House with as little delay as possible.
§ Mr. Alderman Atkinsobjected to any decision being come to on the Bill at so late an hour, and when there were so few members present. He should oppose the report being received.
§ Mr. F. Lewiswould sooner abandon the whole measure than risk it by attempting to affix the assize. He had no objection, however, that the measure should be commenced from the 1st of August, instead of the present period; no material change in the price of grain could take place between that time and the next meeting of Parliament, when, if necesary, a new regulation could be enacted.
After a few words from Mr. Alderman C. Smith, and Mr. Alderman Atkins, the 1st of September was agreed upon for the operation of the Bill. Mr. Alderman Atkins then contended for the necessity of trying the experiment of enforcing the principle of the Assize. After a few words from Mr. D. Giddy, and Mr. Lockhart, the Bill was ordered to be read the third time tomorrow.