§ Lord Lascelles moved for leave to bring in a bill for rendering the Proprietors of Lead Mines ratable to the poor-rates, according to the profits derived by them from such mines. He was induced to undertake this measure from observing the numerous petitions, from certain parishes situated in mining districts, complaining of the increase of poor-rates, occasioned by miners out of employment being thrown on them, while the proprietors of the mines themselves could not be rated. He did not wish to throw any impediment in the way of mining adventures: his object was not to subject the occupiers of mines to any new burthen, but merely to charge the proprietors of mines on the profits derived by them from whatever source. In some parts of the county with which he was connected, it had been customary for a considerable time back to rate the proprietors of lead mines to the poor-rates; but the practice was not universal; and it was certain that lead mines were not in- 93 cluded in the statute of Elizabeth. He wished the question to be now set at rest. He did not intend to include in his bill any other mines.
§ Lord Miltonseconded the motion, and observed, that though this bill would establish a new law, it would not enact any new practice, as, for upwards of twenty years past, the proprietors of these mines had been rated towards the relief of the poor.
Mr. Davies Gilbertstated, that the practice had been the same in Cornwall as in Yorkshire. He was glad to understand that the noble lord had no other object than that which he had announced, as mistaken ideas were entertained in some parts of the country on the subject.
§ Mr. Curwensaid that the proprietors ought to bear some part of the burthen of relieving the poor; and he trusted there would be no objection to the introduction of the bill.
§ Leave being given, the bill was brought in and read a first time.