§ Mr. Humemoved for "leave to bring in a Bill to repeal as much of the Act 25th Geo. 2., as restrains the Amusements of Music and Dancing." [The hon. Gentleman in rising to make this Motion front the Ministerial, instead of the Opposition side of the House, where he has always heretofore sat, was very loudly and significantly cheered by the honourable Gentlemen on the Opposition benches.] He said his object was to promote the good humour of the House, if possible, by introducing a little music and dancing. The fact was, that only his constituents were debarred these amusements. The act was originally passed for only three years, but it was afterwards made perpetual. When it was sent up to the Lords, it extended to only twenty miles round London; but their Lordships added a Clause to give effect to the Act all over the country. The Commons however, would not consent to that Clause, and the Act was passed, therefore, in its present form. For fifty years it had been a dead letter; but for the last ten years, informers had taken advantage of it, and had caused great annoyance. The people in other parts of Europe were allowed their amusements, and he thought it would be much better to encourage them in this country, where the lower classes were too much in the habit of indulging themselves in drinking, instead of recreating themselves rationally.
Leave was given and the Bill was brought in and read a first time.