§ The Marquess of Breadalbanehad a petition to present from Perth, praying for a repeal of the Corn-laws. He agreed with his noble and learned Friend (Lord Brougham) that there was a very deep feeling on the part of the people with regard to this question, and that discontent and dissatisfaction at the present state of the law, with regard to the trade in corn, were increasing. It was a sound maxim of policy that all the great productive sources of this country were bound and united together, and it was impossible to give particular advantages to one without producing corresponding evil and detriment to the others. He trusted that their Lordships, although they might not feel able to grant the entire prayer of the petition, namely, the total repeal of the Corn-laws, would, at any rate, consider that it was just and fitting and expedient to take the question into their early consideration, and to inquire into and examine all its bearings.
§ Petition laid on the Table.