Mr. Lambmoved for leave to bring in a Bill to alter the regulations for making the Ballot for the Tower Hamlets Militia. According to the Act, each Hamlet was bound to furnish a certain quota of men, which was no longer fair, in consequence of one Hamlet having been half converted into St Catherine's Docks.
Mr. Humesuggested the propriety of consolidating the laws relative to the Militia. He complained of the severity and irregularity of the operation of these laws in Middlesex. He recommended that a tax should be raised to pay the Militia, and that the regiments should be raised by beat of drum. As for the ballot, it was a source of great inconvenience, and ought undoubtedly to be done away.
§ Mr. Hodgesfully agreed with the hon. member for Middlesex, and was of opinion 338 that the present system of balloting for militia was most objectionable.
Mr. Lambalso admitted the propriety of Mr. Hume's suggestion, but stated, that it would require time to remedy the defects. He would, however, give his best attention to the subject, with a view of correcting the evils.
§ Leave given, and Bill brought in.