HC Deb 17 March 1859 vol 153 cc249-50
MR. HUTT

said, he would beg to ask Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the Government contemplate introducing into the Reform Bill, in Committee, any other Amendment than that of which he has given notice to the House?

THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER

Sir, when the Reform Bill is in Committee, I have no doubt that there is scarcely a Member of this House who will not propose an Amendment. I have no doubt, also, that many of the Amendments then proposed will be favourably received by the House; and I hope that the hon. Gentleman will not grudge the same privilege to Her Majesty's Government.

MR. STEUART

said, he would also beg to ask Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer if he can give any idea of the numbers who would be added to the franchise if the possession of £60 in the Savings' Bank were to be a qualification, and similarly if the sum fixed were £40.

THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER

Sir, I have directed estimates to be framed, based on returns, of the numbers who will be added to the constituency if the possession of £60, of £40, and of £30 respectively is made a qualification for the elective franchise, and these estimates will be laid on the table as soon as possible.

MR. RIDLEY

said, he wished to ask Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer when he will lay upon the table of the House the clauses which he proposes to insert in the Representation of the people Bill respect- ing the proposed disfranchisement of those county voters whose qualification is derived from property situated within Parliamentary cities and boroughs?

THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER

Sir, I find that what I propose to do can be effected by a single clause, and I hope to lay that clause upon the table this evening. My object will be to carry into effect the Notice of Motion which was given by my hon. Friend the Member for East Somersetshire (Mr. Miles)—namely, to respect the rights of all existing freeholders who at present possess a, qualification in a borough. We propose to add to that that a freeholder in a borough shall have the option of voting either for the county or the borough.