Mr. R. Gordonpresented a Petition from the Inhabitants of Cricklade, complaining that the election of Members of Parliament was carried on in the parish church. He believed that was the only borough in which the church was used for such a purpose, and it frequently happened, from the excitement that prevailed on such occasions, that speeches were made, and discussions allowed, not very much in character with the nature of the edifice. He concurred with the petitioners in thinking, that some other place should be selected.
Mr. Wilksassured the hon. Member, that Cricklade was not the only borough so circumstanced. In the borough he represented, the election was usually carried on in the church, but, like the hon. Member, he was of opinion the practice ought to be abolished.
Sir Robert Inglistrusted, the noble Lord would take some steps to prevent the recurrence of this practice. Elections should take place for towns at the market-house, or some other public building; the church ought never to be used for such a purpose.
Lord John Russellagreed with his hon. friend, that the church was a most unfit place to carry on a contested election; 89 but he did not wish to pledge himself to introduce any enactment into the Reform Bill, to prevent the practice.
§ Petition to be printed.