HC Deb 05 May 1834 vol 23 cc585-8
Mr. Hesketh Fleetwood

moved for leave to bring in a Bill for the better observance of the Lord's Day. The hon. Member explained that his Bill would consolidate several Acts of Parliament, and regulate the opening and closing of public-houses on the Sabbath.

Mr. Hughes Hughes

said, that in rising to second the Motion, he begged to remind his hon. friend, that one of the objects for which he had stated it was in his contemplation to provide by the Bill he sought to bring in, had been effectually attained by a Bill which the hon. Baronet, the member for Wigtonshire (Sir Andrew Agnew) and himself, introduced, and which passed into a Law in the last Session of Parliament, viz., "the Act to enable the Election of Officers of Corporations, and other Public Companies, previously required to be held on the Lord's Day, to be held on the Saturday next preceding or on the Monday next ensuing;" the beneficial effects of which Statute had been already experienced, inasmuch as, Michaelmas Day having last year fallen on Sunday, the elections alluded to must, without it, have taken place on that day, throughout the kingdom. He was most anxious to see the provisions of the Bill of his hon. friend, and, therefore, cordially seconded his Motion.

Mr. Roebuck

thought it was quite wrong to proceed at that hour of the morning with such a measure, and therefore he would offer it his determined opposition. He would divide the House on the subject.

Mr. George F. Young

supported the Motion. The present law was found to be inefficient, and, therefore, he wished to see it amended.

Mr. Warburton

thought, after so much crude legislation had been had on this subject, that it would be well to postpone the present measure. There were clauses of the present Bill totally at variance with the usages of society, and he, therefore, would oppose it at every stage.

Mr. Ewart Gladstone

supported the Motion. The Bill was different from any one before presented. It was calculated both to simplify and strengthen the law; and he therefore would support it.

The House divided—Ayes 48; Noes 20: Majority 28.

On the main Question being again put, the further debate on the Question was adjourned.