Earl Grosvenorstated, that a petition praying for an alteration in the Game Laws had been put into his hands, but as there was some irregularity in the wording of it he should abstain from presenting it. He should, however, avail himself of the opportunity to say a few 225 words on this subject, which he was happy to find had attracted attention in another place; and their lordships would agree with him that nothing could be more entitled to serious consideration, when it was ascertained, that nearly one half, or at least one-third of the persons confined in the gaols throughout the country consisted of individuals committed for violations of the game laws. Such was his sense of the paramount importance of the subject, that had it not been taken up in another place, and especially by a gentleman so well qualified, on account of his personal consideration as member of a great county, and his connexion with his majesty's ministers, to give weight to the change recommended, he should have submitted a proposition of a similar kind to their lordships himself. Under these circumstances, however, he hoped that the proposition made elsewhere would have the support of the government and both Houses of Parliament. The change in the law which was proposed appeared, to him to be of all others that which was best calculated to remove the enormous evils to which the state of the legislation respecting game had given birth. He was aware that many objections would be urged to the alteration; but he was confident that they would not be found of sufficient weight to counterbalance the advantages which must arise from the projected amendment of the law. Some persons were of opinion, that authorizing the sale of game would diminish its quantity. This he believed would be found to be an erroneous view of the subject. It was at present always to be purchased when wanted, and the only effect of legalizing the sale would be, to render it less dear. It was also said, that any interference with the sports of the field would render the country gentlemen less disposed to reside on their estates. He well knew that it was common for the country gentlemen to take great pleasure in these sports; but they had other occupations of a far more important nature, in which it was equally common for them to be engaged, and which he was persuaded would always render them as desirous of residing in the country as their love of field sports. But, instead of having the effect of diminishing game, he was convinced the change would increase it. Aristocratic pride might be offended at the opportunity which every person would have of procuring game; but those who 226 had already lowered their aristocratic pride so far as to sell that game, surely need not take alarm at the measure proposed. He trusted their lordships would turn their serious attention to this important subject, before the bill came from the other House.