HC Deb 03 March 1818 vol 37 c756
Sir Egerton Brydges

said, he would not detain the House long in moving for leave to bring in a bill to amend the Copy-right Act, of the 54th of the king, c. 156, as he understood no objection would be made to the course he was about to pursue. He would, therefore, only detain the House while he said that the grievances under this act appeared so great and so severe, not only as affecting authors and publishers, but the best interests of literature, itself, that he saw no remedy but its repeal, and he could anticipate no fair objection to it. He concluded by moving, "That leave be given to bring in a bill to amend the act of the 54th of his present Majesty, intituled,' An Act to amend the several Acts for the Encouragemen of Learning, by securing the Copies and Copy-right of printed Books to the Authors of such Books, or their Assigns."'

Lord A. Hamilton

hoped that his silence on the present occasion would not be construed into any assent to the proposed measure; on the contrary, his sentiments in opposition to it remained as strong as ever.

Mr. Peel

begged also to make a similar reservation of his opposition until the proper stage of discussion, the second reading.

Lord Palmerston

said, he had to put in the same claim for his opposition in. due time to the measure.

Mr. Forbes

said, he would also, in a future stage, oppose the bill.

Leave was given to bring in the bill;