HC Deb 26 January 1846 vol 89 cc499-500
SIR G. GREY

moved that the following Gentlemen be appointed as the Select Committee on the Law of Settlement: Mr. C. Buller, Sir J. Graham, Mr. Bankes, Mr. J. E. Denison, Sir G. Grey, Mr. Hindley, Mr. T. Duncombe, Lord H. Vane, Mr. P. Scrope, Mr. W. Miles, Mr. C. Villiers, Mr. Borthwick, Mr. C. Round, Mr. Aldam, and Mr. Bodkin.

MR. FERRAND

objected to this list, as not being a fair representation of the sentiments of the House. He found that out of fifteen names, it contained nine of Gentlemen of Liberal opinions, and only six of Conservatives, or Tories, or some other name; for he really did not know what the Gentlemen attached to the late First Lord of the Treasury called themselves. If he only knew what were their principles, he would know better what to call them. But, at all events, he did not think it was fair to have so large a majority of persons holding one class of opinions. There was another fatal objection to the list. It contained the name of Mr. Hindley in place of Mr. Henley, and he considered that the right hon. Gentleman could not proceed with it without giving a fresh notice.

MR. SPEAKER

said, it was competent to agree to all the names, except that of Mr. Henley.

MR. FERRAND

said, that if the right hon. Gentleman insisted upon adhering to this Committee, he had nothing more to say; but he must protest against it as being an unfair selection.

SIR G. GREY

remarked, that he had taken pains, as he thought, to make as near as possible a fair representation of the feelings of the House. The proportions were not exactly as the hon. Member had stated. There were seven Members from one side of the House, and eight from the other; and in selecting them he had been anxious to have Gentlemen from different parts of the country, so as to include as fair a representation as possible of the large towns and the counties. Not being able to suggest any amendment in the composition of the Committee, he must persist in proposing the list of names as it stood upon the Paper, with the omission of the name of Mr. Hindley.

Motion agreed to.

House adjourned at half-past Six o'clock.