EXPENSE OF THE REFORM BILLS. (Hansard, 9 August 1832)

§ Colonel Sibthorp

rose to move for a Return, of which he had given notice. The Reform Bill had been now two years before Parliament, to the total exclusion of all other business. They had been told, it would conduce to the happiness of England, Ireland, and Scotland; that taxes would be lowered, trade revived, and prosperity fill the land; and all by reason of the Reform Bill. They had, as yet, reaped none of these golden fruits; but, to a certainty, it appeared that they had made a golden payment for the sake of obtaining them. The machinery of the Bill had been most expensive, including the twenty travelling Commissioners, the draftsmen, and clerks attendant upon them. Volume after volume had issued from the labours of those who were engaged upon the Reform Bill, and he believed that his share of them would fill a waggon. The charge for printing, for the year 1832, amounted to 56,000l.; for stationery, 119,612l. Of course there had been a great consumption of pen, ink, and paper in this tremendous undertaking. In his opinion the Reform measure, so far from benefitting, had robbed the people of this country, from north to south, and from east to west. It had robbed them of every privilege, and all else it had promised. He hoped the noble Lord would grant all he asked, and that nothing would be hid. The hon. Member concluded by moving for "A Return of the expenses incurred relative to the Reform of Parliament Bills previous to the passing of the same; distinguishing the sums already paid, and remaining to be paid, as far as these can be ascertained, namely, for travelling and other expenses of the Commissioners, and individuals employed in the necessary information with regard to boundaries and other Returns; also, for stationery, printing, maps, plans, and the various incidental matters connected with the said Acts."