§ SIR JOSHUA WALMSLEYbegged to ask the noble Lord at the head of the Government, whether it was the intention of Her Majesty's Ministers to take any steps during the present Session to extend the right of voting for Members of the House to other portions of the adult male population of these realms than those now in possession of the elective franchise under the provisions of the Reform Act; or whether there was any intention to amend the deficiencies of the Reform Act of 1832?
§ LORD JOHN RUSSELLIn answer to the question of the hon. Gentleman, I can say in the first place, that it is not the intention of Her Majesty's Ministers to take any step during the present Session, to extend the right of voting for Members of this House to other portions of the adult population beyond the classes now in possession of it. With regard to the second question, whether there is any intention to amend the Reform Act, I have on previous occasions expressed my opinion to the House that there were certain amendments of the Reform Act, and certain extensions of the Reform Act, that I thought were 374 desirable. I still retain that opinion, and shall act on that opinion when I think the proper time has come.