The Marquess of Northamptonsaid, that he probably would on Monday move, that a clause be added to the Bill, the object of which would be, to prevent the necessity of Members of the House of Commons vacating their seats on being appointed to high offices in the State.
Lord Ellenboroughsaid, that the noble Marquess had better give a decided notice on the subject, because it might materially influence the conduct of noble Lords, as to being present on the third reading, for otherwise it was probable that, under existing circumstances, many would not come down to the House. The clause, at all events, must be proposed after the third reading of the Bill.
§ Earl Greysaid, that the object which the noble Marquess had in view was very important, and entitled to serious consideration. The inclination of his opinion was certainly favourable to the proposition of the noble Marquess. He thought that great inconveniences attended the practice of Members vacating their seats on being appointed to offices in the Government. If any advantage whatever resulted from this practice, it was more than counterbalanced by the disadvantages. At the same time, he would suggest to the noble Marquess, to consider whether he might not better effect his object by the introduction of a separate Bill than by tacking a clause to the Reform Bill.
Lord Ellenboroughagreed with the noble Earl, that it would be more convenient for 292 the noble Marquess to introduce a bill in order to effect the object which he had in view. He could not help observing, that this was the first proof which had yet been presented to their Lordships of the great practical change which would be introduced by the Bill at present before the House. The law which it was now proposed to repeal had existed, without material inconvenience, since the time of Queen Anne. It had been considered a great security for the good conduct of the Representatives of the people. He recollected repeated instances of persons, who had been selected to fill high offices in the state, commencing their addresses to the electors by stating, that there was no part of the Constitution more valuable than that law which sent a Member to his constituents in order that they might judge of his conduct in taking office.
The Marquess of Northamptonsaid, that in consequence of the suggestion of the noble Earl and the noble Baron, he would bring in a separate bill on the subject.