§ Lord Brabazonwished to take that opportunity of calling the attention of the noble Lord, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, to the difficulty, or rather impossibility, of getting petitions presented; he, therefore, hoped that a day would be set apart for that purpose, or some means provided by which the wishes of the people could be known.
§ Lord Althorpwas afraid that it would be impossible to make any alteration which would suit the noble Lord's wishes. He was aware that, after the business of the night was over, petitions might be pre- 384 sented up to any hour. It was true, few Members were in the House on such occasions, but the same had always been found to be the case when a particular day was set apart for petitions. The great number of petitions which within three or four years had been presented to the House, and the discussions which arose on them, had rendered it absolutely necessary to fix some period for receiving petitions; he, therefore, could not see any mode of remedying the grievance, but would be glad to listen to any proposal on the part of the noble Lord.
Mr. Alderman Thompsonhoped the noble Lord would extend the time for receiving petitions. He had for the last three weeks been in possession of a petition, which he anxiously wished to present, but had not been able to find an opportunity. It related to the Excise duties on soap, and, as there was a belief that new regulations were about to be introduced, those interested in the trade were most anxious to have some explanations from Government. He should, therefore, give notice that evening that he would present the petition on a certain day, in order to raise a discussion on the subject.
§ The Speakersaid, the existing system relative to the mode of presenting petitions did not originate with him, nor, indeed, was there any standing order entered into by the House. There was an understanding, however, on the part of Members, that those Gentlemen who put down their names on the Speaker's paper should present them in the order of their names on the list, and that petitions could be presented only up to five o'clock. Till the House, therefore, came to some new resolution on the subject, he did not see what could be done.
§ Mr. Geo. Bankessaid, the greater part of the inconvenience complained of arose from the anxiety of the noble Lord and his colleagues to pass the Reform Bill. As to petitions being presented after the debate of the night was over, few Members knew that such petitions had been presented.
§ Lord Althorpunderstood, that Members on both sides of the House concurred in the necessity of a speedy settlement of the Reform question, whatever their opinions might be with regard to its principles. He felt, therefore, some surprise at the remark made by the hon. Gentleman.