§ Mr. Nolanmoved for leave to bring in a bill, for amending the laws relating to the maintenance and employment of the poor. The principles upon which the amendments he should propose were founded, were nearly the same as those he had submitted to the House last session. There were some trifling differences between the alterations he had now to propose, and those of his former motion; but he did not think fit to explain them now, as the second reading of the bill would afford a better opportunity for discussing the subject in all its forms.
Colonel Woodtook the opportunity of stating, that he should submit for the approbation of the House the resolutions he had proposed last session. As, however, he understood from his learned friend, that it would be inconvenient for him to be in his place until after the circuit, he should not call the attention of the house to this subject until that period. He understood the object of the bill was to provide some further coercion, by which the poorer classes would be prevented from applying for parochial assistance. To this he would never consent. The people of England had so much good temper, that they could be easily led; but they had so much high spirit, that the attempt to drive them would be as impracticable as it would be unjust.
§ Leave was given to bring in the bill.