§ Order for Second Reading read.
§ MR. J. WILLIAMSobjected to the right claimed by it of opening parcels when in transitu. He affirmed it to be totally opposed to the interests of the fair trader, who had a right to carry on his 1026 affairs without the prying inspection of those he paid as carriers. He moved that the Bill be read a second time this day six months.
§ MR. W. BROWNquite agreed in this view. It was so manifestly to the interest of the public, that no doubt whatever should be left upon this subject.
COLONEL THOMPSONsaid, that a Post-office clerk of the last century would be uneasy in his grave at the thought that two pieces of paper could be sent under the same cover for a penny. Why was the wrong to be continued by railway proprietors after it had been given up by the Post Office? The railway proprietors had an almost unlimited power of fixing their own prices for single parcels; and with this they ought to be content. The public had a right to look to the Government for assistance in putting down this foolish wrong on the industrious community.
§ Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.
§ Bill read 2o and committed, and referred to the Committee of Selection.