§ SIR JOHN SHELLEYsaid, he wished to ask when the Government intended to introduce the promised measure for the reform of the Corporation of the City of London, and whether such Bill would he founded upon the recommendation of the Commissioners appointed to inquire into that corporation? It had been stated on a former occasion that the Bill would be brought in as soon as the Metropolis Local Management Bill had passed through certain stages. That Bill was now very far advanced, and the subject was of very great importance, especially to the inhabitants of London.
§ SIR GEORGE GREYsaid, that the Bill for the reform of the Corporation of the City of London was founded, in its main features, upon the recommendations of the Commissioners of Inquiry, subject to some modifications as to details, in which those recommendations would be to a certain extent departed from. As to the other question, he could only say that he certainly had intended, and hoped to be able to carry that intention into effect, to submit that Bill to the House in time to secure for it the consideration and attention which its importance demanded. But the debates which had arisen on subjects of great importance, and had necessarily occupied much of the attention of the House, had unavoidably retarded the progress of various Bills. The Metropolis Local Management Bill, referred to by the hon. Member, was one of them; it had not yet got through Committee; then it had to be advanced through its other stages. There were also the Australian Constitution Bills, the Bills for establishing limited liability in partnerships, and the Cambridge University Bill, which had just come down from the House of Lords. In addition, they knew that the House of Lords had passed a Resolution declaring that they would not read any Bill a second time—unless it were a Bill of Supply, or one rendered necessary by urgent circumstances—after the 24th of July. He was bound to say that he thought the public business was rather retarded than advanced by having a multitude of important Bills before the House at one time. Under these circumstances he did not see any prospect of being able to lay the Bill referred to before the House that Session—that is, with any hopes of its passing. 2242 Therefore, it would be introduced at an early period next Session. That, he thought, was the best course to ensure its passing.