HC Deb 12 July 1859 vol 154 c1061

MR. HADFIELD moved to introduce a Bill to amend the law regulating municipal corporations. By the Municipal Reform Act all advowsons belonging to the corporations were to be sold, and until this was done, the Bishop of the diocese had the appointment. Notwithstanding this members of corporations were still required to make the declaration that they would do nothing injurious to the Church. It should be left to their fellow-townsmen to say whether the moral character of men entitled them to become corporators without requiring any declaration from them.

MR. BAINES

seconded the Motion.

MR. DARBY GRIFFITH

said, that as the hon. Member proposed to bring in a Bill to amend the Municipal Corporations Act, he begged to call attention to the fact, that the municipal franchise had to a great extent fallen into the hands of a class of persons who were not able themselves to pay their rates.

SIR GEORGE LEWIS

said, that in assenting to the introduction of the Bill he wished it to be understood that he entertained serious doubts whether the alterations proposed ought to be made, and whether there would be sufficient time for the consideration of any material change in the existing law in the course of the present Session. As he understood the matter the hon. Gentleman proposed, first, to alter the settlement which was come to when the Test and Corporation Acts were repealed. When the Bill came to a second reading the hon. Gentleman might, perhaps, be able to show ground for the change he proposed; but he wished to point out that it involved the alteration of a measure which underwent much consideration at the time, and was in the nature of an agreement between different parties in the State.

MR. HADFIELD

said, he would withdraw from the Bill the clauses relating to that subject.

SIR GEORGE LEWIS

In that case he would only say that the other part of the Bill would receive the consideration of the Government.

Leave given.

Bill to amend the Law for the Regulation of Municipal Corporations in England and Wales, ordered to be brought in by Mr. HADFIELD, Sir MORTON PETO, Mr. KERSHAW, and Mr. BAINES.

Bill presented and read 1°.