HL Deb 06 August 1834 vol 25 c1000
The Marquess of Westminster

wished to take that opportunity of stating to their Lordships, that his opinion with respect to the subject of proxies, to which he had on former occasions called their attention, remained unchanged. He meant to have brought that important subject forward at an early period of the Session; but he had been requested not to introduce it at that particular time, on the suggestion that such a question should not be brought forward without the most serious consideration. In consequence of that request, he then put it off. After sonic time he was again prepared to bring it forward, but he was prevented by circumstances. So convinced was he that this anomalous and absurd practice tended to make their Lordships unpopular in the country—not only considering what had formerly occurred, but looking to what had happened even within a few days—that he was more than ever confirmed in his opinion that this subject was not only worthy of, but demanded, their serious attention; and, in truth, it appeared to him, that it would be decorous if their Lordships would at once give up the privilege. He expected to see, both in the ecclesiastical and civil department, the most piercing, the most searching Reform. Unless questions of that nature were brought forward by Ministers with a determined design to act in a manner the most satisfactory to the inhabitants of this country—unless the Government were determined to act with vigour and sincerity—he feared that they would not long remain in those places where he was very glad to see them at present.