HC Deb 19 April 1848 vol 98 cc508-9

SIR WILLIAM CLAY asked the noble Lord whether it was the intention of Her Majesty's Ministers to introduce, during the present Session, any Bill similar to one which was introduced last Session, having reference to the ratepaying clauses of the Reform Act? If it were their intention to introduce any such measure, whether they would introduce in the Bill any provision to facilitate the exercise of the elective franchise by 10l. householders residing in tenements of which the rates and taxes were paid by the landlord?

LORD JOHN RUSSELL: I hope, in the course of the Session, to introduce a Bill on the subject. I had rather not enter into the provisions of that Bill at present. I say, with respect to other measures generally that I do not see any advantage in introducing them, unless there is a prospect of time to pass them.