HC Deb 09 February 1830 vol 22 cc325-7
The Chancellor of the Exchequer

moved the preliminary Resolution on the Lords Commissioners Speech— "That a Supply be granted."

The Marquis of Blandford

regretted that some Member more conversant with the forms of the House did not rise to oppose the Speaker's leaving the Chair. The distresses of the country were so great, the cries of the people for relief were so loud, and the promises of his Majesty's Ministers were so vague and unsatisfactory, that he felt himself called upon in duty to oppose in limine the granting of one shilling of supply at present. He would therefore move, as an amendment, "That this House will not vote any Supply or Estimate until the grievances of the people be taken into consideration, and relief for their distress be granted."

The Chairman of the Committee (Sir A. Grant)—[as the Speaker had left the Chair without the noble Marquis having risen in sufficient time to propose his Amendment] intimated that such Amendment was informal, as the House were new in Committee.

Mr. Hume

.—The motion is regular—it requires only a verbal alteration; and its principle I approve:—Before I grant a supply (said the noble Marquis) let there be a redress of grievances.

The Amendment was then altered, by the substitution of the word 'Committee' for 'House.' It stood, as put in the Committee, as follows:—

"That it is the opinion of this Committee, that no supply be granted, until the grievances and distress of the people be taken into consideration, and redress be granted."

The Chancellor of the Exchequer

said, he did not come to the House prepared for any such amendment as the present. He understood, certainly, that an amendment was to be moved in the Committee of Supply on Friday, to which the present motion was a mere formal preparation. He hoped the noble Lord would withdraw his motion, or, if he were determined to press it to a division, he thought the better way would be to postpone the Committee, as, in the present state of the House, [twenty-eight Members only were present], no division could take place, the calling for a division would be to have the House counted out. The noble Lord had certainly adopted a novel course towards the House, and which was not likely to make a very favourable impression on the public generally; but he had the power, and he must use it as he pleased.

The Marquis of Blandford

.— I am no party to any understanding as to any motion on Friday. If hon. Members are not present to do their duty to the people, it is no fault of mine; here am I to do my duty; I shall divide.

The division being called for, proceeded; but as it appeared that there were not forty Members present, the numbers could not be declared, and Mr. Speaker resumed the Chair; and forty not being then present, he declared the House to be adjourned.

Of the twenty-eight Members who were present, there were as follows:—

For the Motion 24. For the Amendment 4.