§ Several petitions were presented against this bill.
Alderman Woodsaid, if it was suffered to pass into a law, it would be productive 589 of the worst effects to a numerous and deserving class of persons. Property to a great amount would be deteriorated; and many annuities which were at present fixed on that property, would be considerably reduced in value. If, therefore, it was determined that the bill should be pressed forward, compensation ought to be made to those who were likely to suffer by it. In a recent case, government had made compensation to a publican whose house it was found necessary, in the course of certain improvements, to take possession of, before his lease had expired; and those who must inevitably be injured by this enactment were equally entitled to compensation. It was alleged, as a reason for this measure, that almost all the public houses were in the hands of the brewers, This, however, was erroneous. Of 48,000 public houses in London and its environs, 24,000 were perfectly free.