§ The order of the day being moved,
Earl Grosvenorrose, pursuant to notice, to move the second reading of the Bill for preventing the granting of Places in Reversion. He felt that the present moment was not the most auspicious for carrying that salutary measure into effect; but he was not therefore discouraged from; endeavouring to do his duty, and to redeem the pledge which he had given to that effect. There were, besides, many circumstances connected with the present measure, which he could have wished to bring under their lordships consideration at the same time; but neither was the present the moment for entering into that discussion. He should, however, persevere in the line he had chalked out to himself, and persist in moving the second reading of the Bill, let the result be what it might. He knew that it was the intention of the noble and learned lord on the woolsack to oppose his motion, but he trusted that noble and learned lord would not forget that in proposing the suspension of the same bill last session, he had in a great degree acknowledged the justice of its principle. Their lordships well knew that the measure which he had the honour 713 of proposing, originated with the Finance: Committee of the other House; a Committee to which the people at large looked op with confidence for many salutary regulations in the expenditure of the country; and although their patriotic endeavours had net met with the success they deserved (for many difficulties and discouragements had been thrown in their way, perhaps even by those who should rather have promoted, than obstructed the measure), still that Committee had deserved the thanks, and obtained the highest approbation of the people. This it was no more than justice and candour to avow. When a more favourable time arrived, as arrive he trusted it would, he should again bring forward a measure which the public had such just reason to expect would be adopted. The noble earl concluded with moving the second reading of the Bill.
The Lord Chancellornever had said, and never would say that the principle of the Bill was not a good one, and fit to be acted upon; but he objected to it as attempting at the time to carry only one part, and that comparatively but a less important and less urgent part, of a great measure with which the present was but slightly connected. If the power of granting places in reversion were taken from the crown, he was at a loss to see why places in possession might not be taken away also. This power had boon vested in the crown for three, four or five centuries; and had often been exercised for the best of purposes: he was not, therefore, for withdrawing it from the crown, without being sure that such a defalcation from the power of the crown would lead to some general measure of great public utility. Besides, in consequence of the provisions which Parliament had thought proper to introduce into the Regency bill, the power of granting places in reversion was now in abeyance. To agitate the question, therefore, under the present circumstances, would not, in his opinion, lead to any practical good.
Earl Grosvenorbriefly replied; and the question being put, That the bill be read a second time, it was negatived without a division.
Earl Graythought it was going too far to reject the bill, as that implied an hostility to its principle. To this he could not consent, but under the circumstances of 714 the present moment, he should not object to the postponement of the second reading of the bill for six months. At the same time he must observe, that they were much indebted to his noble friend for bringing this subject forward; and he trusted that his noble friend would again press; it at another opportunity.
The Earl of Liverpoolcould not but think, that in consequence of the restrictions now imposed upon that power, in, the hands of the Prince Regent, the bill should for the present be rejected. He had no objection, however, to accede to the opinion of the noble earl.
It was then moved, That the bill be read a second time that day six months; which amendment was agreed to.