§ Sir R. Peelsaid, I now rise to move for leave to introduce a bill, of which I have given notice, and the object of which is, to continue in force certain Acts which would expire, either on a certain day named, or at the end of the Session of Parliament, or after a certain period. Upon the whole, having taken into consideration that one part of the bill which I proposed to introduce is likely to undergo discussion, and that the other is not likely to meet with any objection, I believe that it would be more for the convenience of the House that I should introduce two bills, one for the purpose of continuing the present Poor-law commission, and another for the purpose of continuing in force, for a certain period, other expiring laws. I believe that this will better meet the views of those who may be desirous of separating the Poor-law Commission Renewal Bill separately from the other, which is not likely to meet with any discussion or objection. I think it Tight, however, to mention, that whichever course may be adopted, of introducing one or two acts, it will not be competent for hon. Members to move amendments in the ordinary mode, but whatever amendments they may wish to introduce, must be moved in the shape of an instruction to the committee. I think it righ there- 692 fore, to mention, that those who wish to propose amendments, must do so by previously moving an instruction to the committee. I now move for leave to bring in a bill, to continue the Poor-law commission to the 31st of July, 1842.
§ Motion agreed to.
§ Sir R. PeelI now move for leave to introduce a Bill, to continue such laws as will expire within a certain limited period.
§ Motion agreed to.
§ Bills brought in, and read a first time.
§ SUPPLY—MAYNOOTH COLLEGE—EXPLANATION.] On the question that the report of the committee of supply be brought up,
§ Colonel ActonI wish to say a few words to the House on a matter personal to myself. I am most anxious to explain that it was my intention to vote against the grant to the College of Maynooth, and I communicated to several friends about me in the House my fixed determination so to do, but having inadvertently gone into the old lobby, I did not discover my mistake until the door was closed. As soon as I was aware of my mistake I remonstrated in the strongest manner against being obliged to record my vote against my principles and my recently expressed intentions, but I was informed that having gone into the lobby my vote was, in fact, given, and could not be recalled. It is most painful to me to vote against her Majesty's present Government, from which we have reason to expect such inestimable benefits to the nation; but I never can conscientiously vote for the grant to Maynooth College. I never intended to vote for it, and I never will. I trust the House will pardon this intrusion, but I felt it due to my own character and that of the constituency I have the honour to represent, thus to explain the apparent inconsistency of my conduct.
§ Mr. Plumptrebore testimony to the fact that the hon. Gentleman had communicated to him his intention of voting as he had just stated.
§ Report brought up.