HC Deb 22 April 1858 vol 149 cc1543-4

MR. LOCKE KING, in rising to move for leave to bring in a Bill to abolish the Property Qualifications of Members of Parliament, said, that it would be in the recollection of the House that last Session he introduced a Bill upon the same subject, which was rejected upon the second reading solely because the noble Lord the Member for Tiverton, then at the head of the Government, thought fit to make the excuse that, as he had promised to bring in a Reform Bill this Session, it would be unwise to deal with this portion of the general question per se. He did not agree with the view then expressed by the noble Lord, and he divided the House upon that occasion; but the noble Lord being then in the zenith of his power caused the Bill to be rejected. Seeing that at this time there was no probability of any Reform Bill being introduced he thought that it was a very fitting opportunity for bringing in his Bill again—especially as recent disclosures in the court of law with reference to property qualifications rendered it essential for the character of the House that something should be done, and that an end should be put to that conventional understanding by which Members evaded the Act of Parlia- ment, and made a declaration that they were the actual bonâ fide possessors of property, when, in point of fact, they were not so. There were many topics connected with the anomalies and injustice of the existing law which, if it were desirable, he could urge; but, as he had been officially informed that no opposition was to be offered to the introduction of his Bill, he thought that he should best consult the convenience of the House by deferring any lengthened statement upon the subject to a future time. He should content himself, therefore, with simply moving for leave to bring in a Bill to abolish the Property Qualifications of Members of Parliament.

MR. COLLIER

seconded the Motion.

Leave given.

Bill to abolish the Property Qualifications of Members of Parliament, ordered to be brought in by Mr. LOCKE KINO, Mr. HENRY GORE LANGTON and Mr. COBBETT.

Bill presented and read 1°.