§ MR. DARBY GRIFFITHrose to ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Whether the Government mean to invite the House to come to a conclusion in favour of the reduction of the qualification for the Elective Franchise, without at the same time affording a clear indication of what that reduction is intended to be? He had no wish to throw any impediment in the way of the Government; but, understanding that Parliamentary Reform was not to be considered a party question, upon which the fate of the Ministry depended, they could now consider the question purely on its merits. The time had come when Parliamentary Reform should be treated as a broad and philosophical question, above the narrow purposes of party. They had authority for that view from the course taken by the Opposition, who, when in power in 1860, would not stake the existence of their Administration on the success of their Reform measure. The question of Reform, of course, depended upon details; much depending upon the extent to which the franchise should be extended. The Resolution referring to the proposed extension of the franchise in such a form as not to give a preponderating power to any particular class, had his entire adhesion. They might so reduce the franchise as to—
§ MR. SPEAKERhere interrupted the hon. Gentleman, reminding him that, although he was in order in asking a Question as to the form of proceeding, he was 887 not in order in entering on the question of Reform, or the particular Resolutions which stood for discussion on Monday next.
§ MR. DARBY GRIFFITHresumed. The Resolutions appeared to him to be open to very much the same objections which were levelled against the proceedings of the late Administration last year. They were told then that they were asked to make a leap in the dark, which he thought was just the case with these Resolutions. They were told then the Government should treat the House with perfect frankness, and it struck him that the Resolutions were open to the same form of criticism. They were told then that Resolutions might involve a precipitate decision of the House, as they had no second and third readings in which the House could retrace its steps if in error, and that was the same with regard to these Resolutions. [Cries of "Question!"]
§ MR. SPEAKERagain interfered, recommending the hon. Gentleman to proceed to the Question of which he had given notice.
§ MR. DARBY GRIFFITHsaid, he would not occupy the House further, but at once put the Question which stood in his name.
§ THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUERIt is not more than ten days since I came down to the House to suggest that on this subject it was, in the opinion of the Government, expedient that we should proceed by way of Resolution; and when I made that proposition I was very doubtful whether the House would accept it. Formally, it is not even now accepted, although, I believe, I may infer from the declarations which have been made that the House will not refuse the Government that form of procedure. Sir, I will not refer to the nature of the Resolutions that I have put on the table, although my hon. Friend referred to them so amply. I will merely say that the object of those Resolutions was to express certain principles on which the Government wished to proceed, and that we laid them on the table in order that hon. Gentlemen might have the opportunity of considering those principles, and applying them in the manner which they might think most expedient; and in that process they often arrive at this salutary result, that many applications of those principles in detail which at first blush they thought unanswerable and expedient, upon reflec- 888 tion they find to be impracticable and even absurd. When they arrive at that conclusion, after a certain time for consideration has elapsed, they may come then to the interpretation which the Government put upon the Resolutions, and with a disposition more calculated to give an impartial consideration to the propositions of the Government. Sir, I do not think that the time the Government have proposed for the consideration of the Resolutions was extreme, and I do not think the House will think it unreasonable. In two or three days the House will be asked to form itself in Committee to take the Resolutions into consideration; and, of course, it will be my duty, in accordance with the custom of Parliament, before I ask the opinion of the House upon them, to show the manner in which, in their opinion, the Government think those principles should be applied. That, I think, is the Parliamentary and proper system. In the course of the last ten days a great many Questions have been asked of me by Members of this House. I have taken note of those questions, and at the right time, and in due season, those questions will be answered. I have also taken note of the Question of my hon. Friend, and that also will receive an answer.