HC Deb 17 July 1845 vol 82 cc618-9
The Earl of Lincoln

moved the Order of the Day for the Third Reading of the Inclosure of Commons Bill.

Colonel Sibthorp

had from the first opposed this Bill, and would still oppose it, because he thought proper time had not been given for its due consideration. There might be some good clauses in it; but it was of so important a nature that he should object to the Bill altogether, unless it were for some time postponed.

Mr. Eliot Yorke

hoped that the House would at once proceed with the considertion of the Bill, as it was calculated to be of great benefit to all classes of the community.

Mr. Sharman Crawford

felt it to be his duty again to state his objections to many parts of the Bill, as they had not been removed in its former stages. The Bill was calculated to benefit the landlords alone, and would not be advantageous to the working classes, who ought to be considered. In proof of what he staled, he would quote the evidence of Mr. H. Martin, of Hadlow, in Kent, who had stated that the rent of common land, which was formerly 16s. per acre, had now risen to 2l. per acre. Under these circumstances, he would not now further trouble the House; but when the question should be put that the do pass into a law, he would divide the House.

Mr. Becket Denison

regretted deeply that the hon. Member for Rochdale, whose character for benevolence stood very high in that House as well as out of it, should be found to oppose the Bill, especially as his influence and importance among the labouring poor were very great. He was sure that if that hon. Gentleman should succeed in rejecting the Bill, he would sooner or later regret that success; for he would find that he had been doing a great injury to the labouring poor residing on the borders of the commons which, by this Bill, would be enclosed. He would give his most cordial consent to the Bill.

The Earl of Lincoln

said, that sufficient time had been given for discussion on this Bill, since it had been before the public nearly three years. The measure, he was sure, would be found to be of the greatest advantage to the labouring poor, as well as to the landlords and landowners.

Order of the Day read. Bill read a third time.

On the Question that the Bill do pass,

Mr. Sharman Crawford

contended again that the mode of distribution of land, as proposed by this Bill, was most arbitrary and unjust; and as his objections had failed to be considered, he should feel it his duty to divide the House on the Question.

The House divided:—Ayes 48; Noes 0: Majority 48.

Bill passed.

The two Tellers for the Noes were, Mr. Sharman Crawford and Colonel Sibthorp.

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