The Earl of Winchilseawas anxious to learn from the noble Earl opposite, whether Ministers intended to bring forward any measure with a view to putting down those Political Unions and illegal combinations which, according to the noble Earl, were incompatible with good government, trenched upon the honour and dignity of Parliament, and were opposed to the rights and privileges of the Crown? It was the more necessary that they should have distinct information on this head, as but one Political Union—that of Brighton—had dissolved itself, in obedience to the proclamation issued by the Government. The others had merely suspended their proceedings for the present.
§ Earl GreyIn answer to the noble Earl, 134 I have only to say this—that believing as we do, that the authority with which the law arms the Government, is fully equal to the suppression of all Associations, be their character or title what they may, which at all affect the dignity of Parliament, and the rights and honours of the Prerogative, it is not our intention to submit to the Legislature any measure for additional powers.