HC Deb 17 May 1822 vol 7 c673

The bill was read a third time. On the question, that it do pass,

Mr. Secretary Peel

said, that as the bill had undergone a full discussion, and as the sense of the House had been fairly taken on the subject of it, he would not persist in what he had no doubt must be an unavailing opposition. He trusted, however, that his not pressing the House to another division, would not be construed into any want of decision, or any diffidence of the opinions he had delivered on this important bill.

Mr. Canning

could not do justice to his own feelings, or to the conduct which had been pursued by his right hon. friend, if he did not declare, that the course he had pursued upon this occasion reflected on him the highest credit. Entertaining the strong sentiments which his right hon. friend was known to cherish upon this subject, it was impossible that he could have acted in a more candid, a more liberal, or a more handsome manner. Next to the gratification he should have felt in having his right hon. friend for a supporter, was the satisfaction of having had such an opponent.

Sir T. Lethbridge

said, he could not arrest the progress of the bill in that House; but he might at least be allowed to thank God, that there were three estates of this realm—the King, Lords, and Commons.

The bill was then passed.