HC Deb 20 July 1926 vol 198 cc1011-2

THE SERJENT-AT-ARMS came to the Table and announced: "The Sheriffs of the City of London."

THE SERJEANT-AT-ARMS, taking the Mace from the Table, withdrew, and (with the Mace upon his shoulder) brought THE SHERIFFS OF THE CITY OF LONDON (Mr. Alderman Batho and Mr. Francis Agar), accompanied by the City Remembrancer (Colonel Stuart Sankey), to the Bar of the House.

Mr. J. JONES

Mr. Speaker, on a point of Order. May I ask this question—in my ignorance, I ask it—I should like to know if other corporations petitioning against Bills would be allowed—

HON. MEMBERS

Order, order!

Mr. SPEAKER

Mr. Sheriff, What have you there?

THE SENIOR SHERIFF (Mr. Alderman Batho): A Petition from the Mayor, Aldermen and Commons of the City of London in Common Council assembled, praying that the Union of Benefices and Disposal of Churches (Metropolis) Measure, 1926, be not presented to His Majesty for Royal Assent.

THE SENIOR SHERIFF then handed the Petition to the Second Clerk Assistant, who brought it to the Table.

Mr. E. C. GRENFELL

I beg to ask, Mr. Speaker, that the salient parts of the Petition be read to the House.

THE CLERK OF THE HOUSE read the fourth and subsequent paragraphs of the Petition, which was as followeth: