§ On the Motion of the Attorney-General, the House went into Committee on the Municipal Act Amendment Bill.
§ On the 10th clause having been put, which requires a declaration to be made in certain cases therein set forth by all Dissenters,
Dr. Lushingtonwished to remind his hon. and learned Friend of the very serious difficulty which was experienced by Dissenters in reference' to that part of the clause which required a declaration to be made by persons belonging to the Society of Friends. They and other Dissenters had an insuperable objection to the declaration prescribed or required by the 9th George 4th; but however much he (Dr. Lushington) might sympathise in the feelings of the Dissenters, he feared that as this declaration was regarded as a security to the Establishment, the law must be altered by the introduction of an Act for that specific purpose; and whenever such a measure should be brought forward, he would give it his best support.
§ The Attorney-Generalwas heartily glad to hear the opinion which his hon. and learned Friend had just expressed. The present law was, undoubtedly, most objectionable, but he thought it would be very inexpedient in this Bill to supply a clause to remove the evil complained of.
§ The clause was agreed to.
§ On clause 11 Mr. Lawson declared his intention to divide the House upon it, because he was of opinion that its effect would be to establish Petty Sessions in many towns where there were no gaols.
§ The Committee divided on the clause: Ayes 88; Noes 6;—Majority 82.
§ The House resumed.— The Report was brought up.