HC Deb 19 August 1831 vol 6 cc288-9
Lord Dudley Stuart

presented a Petition in favour of Reform and Vote by Ballot, from the Mayor of the borough of Arundel. The noble Lord said, he could not acquiesce in the propriety of the latter part of the Petitioner's application, as he entertained strong objections to the Ballot, and hoped he never should see it introduced at elections. It also pointed out as a grievance the nomination of Members of that House on Committees, in the result of whose deliberations and determinations they themselves were interested.

The petition being read,

The Speaker

said, he entertained an opinion that this was an unusual and irregular petition. The petitioner had not alleged that he was a party even interested; and the fact alluded to was one which had occurred during the last Parliament. Finally, he had presumed to dictate to the House, in no very respectful terms, how the House should improve its proceedings, by adopting his advice in the mode of appointing its Committees. He had, as a matter of duty, pointed out these objectionable points to the attention of the House and of the noble Lord, and he should now leave it to the noble Lord's discretion, whether he would persevere in moving, that the petition should be laid on the Table.

Petition laid on the Table.

Back to