§ The Marquis of Lansdown moved the first reading of the Cholera Morbus Prevention Bill, and in doing so, gave notice that he should to-morrow move the suspension of the standing orders of the 407 House, with a view to the passing this Bill, as quickly as possible, through its remaining stages.
Lord Ellenboroughsaid, that though he had no objection to the passing of this Bill with as much rapidity as the noble Marquis might desire, he could not, at the same time, avoid observing, that it did not appear to be a bill that had been framed altogether with that due consideration and carefulness that were required in a matter of such importance. It was to be regretted that a measure of this kind had not been brought forward at an earlier period, when their Lordships' might have been able to devote more time to its consideration; and that Ministers had waited until the disease was at the door before they introduced this Bill. The attention of his Majesty's Ministers had been directed to the subject in December last, and it was then stated to them, that the powers given to the Privy Council under the 6th George 4th, for the removal of nuisances were not as comprehensive as they supposed, or sufficient to meet the emergency that was approaching. In the course of January it was distinctly shown that the powers vested in the Privy Council under that Act of Parliament were totally inadequate to meet the exigencies of the present case. He, therefore, repeated, that it was to be regretted that this measure had not been brought forward at an earlier period, when their Lordships' might have had more time to attend to the wording and the enactments of the Bill. From what he saw of it, it appeared to him that it would be necessary to make one amendment in it, namely, the introduction of the usual provision enabling Parliament to alter or amend the Act in the present Session.
The Marquis of Lansdownsaid, that there could, of course, be no objection to the introduction, to-morrow, of the amendment alluded to by the noble Lord. The opinion had existed that the Privy Council could exercise the powers vested in it by the Act of Parliament to a greater extent than, upon due consideration, was found to be the case. The present Bill had, therefore, been brought forward, as it appeared expedient that all doubts on the subject should be removed. The papers already laid on the Table would show that the instructions of the Privy Council had not been complied with in particular instances.
§ The Bill read a first time.