§ MR. WYLD, in moving for leave to bring in a Bill to incorporate the general practitioners of surgery, medicine, and midwifery, said, it would not be necessary for him to detain the House more than a few moments, as he was happy to state that he had obtained the assent of the right hon. Baronet the Home Secretary to the introduction of his Bill. The general practitioners of this country—a most useful set of men—were placed in an anomalous position, in consequence of their being obliged 175 to undergo an examination, and to take out a diploma from the College of Surgeons and the Company of the Apothecaries' Hall, without being enabled to participate in any benefits derivable from those institutions. The object of the Bill was to incorporate general practitioners into a corporation, with powers to examine in medicine, surgery, and midwifery those who were anxious to pursue the general practice of the medical profession. He thought the House would agree with him that this useful class of men, whose services were so generally required by the majority of the population of this country, should have a higher status, and occupy a more defined position, in society than they now held. He would simply lay the Bill on the table, but would take no further steps in regard to it until next Session.
§ Leave given.
§ Bill ordered to be brought in by Mr. Wyld and Colonel Thompson.