§ MR. T. S. DUNCOMBEsaid, he had to present a Petition, or rather remonstrance, from parties assembled at a public meeting held in the Borough of Finsbury, against the course which the House of Commons had adopted in appointing a Committee to search for precedents on the subject of Taxation Bills instead of taking a more direct step. He begged to move that the Petition be read by the Clerk at the Table.
§ SIR WILLIAM MILESWhat is the prayer?
The CLERK—"To the honourable the Commons of the United Kingdom in Parliament assembled; the respectful remonstrance of the undersigned"—["Order, order!"]
§ MR. DISRAELII rise to order, Sir. I conclude it is against our rules that, instead of a form of Petition praying for anything, a remonstrance should be addressed to this House. I believe that to be an irregular proceeding.
§ MR. SPEAKERI understand that it concludes with a prayer.
§ MR. DISRAELIThen, I put it to you, Sir, whether a prayer can be received which comes in the shape of a remonstrance?
§ MR. SPEAKERThere are precedents for the ease now before the House, that when a Petition, under the name of a Remonstrance, concludes with a prayer, properly and respectfully worded, the House does receive it.
§ Petition read and ordered to lie on the table.