§ Mr. Wallacesaid, that in rising to present the first public petition to the present Parliament, he claimed a perfect right, when he thought fit, to represent the opinions of his constituents, in the shape of a speech, if he could make one. He would not, however, attempt to do so then, as he knew, that the question would be mooted to-morrow, or soon after; and he would, therefore, refrain from availing himself of his right, and, abiding by the rule of last Session, he would content himself with stating the contents of the petition. The petition which he was exceedingly proud to be intrusted with, prayed for a total repeal of the Corn-laws, and came from the Chamber of Commerce of Greenock.
§ Mr. Humesaid, that as the question was to be discussed in that House how far the resolution of last Session was to be fol- 130 lowed, it would be much better if it were understood that either to-morrow or the day after, the discussion should come on.
§ The Speakersaid, there was every reason to believe, that the matter would be discussed to morrow; but there was no necessity whatever of giving any notice, as any Member holding a petition was at liberty, by discussing its contents, to raise the question, and the House might take that opportunity of entertaining it.