THE Earl of Stradbrokemoved the third Reading of the Night Poaching Prevention Bill.
The Earl of Radnorwas of opinion, that the best way of getting rid of all legislation on this subject was to relieve the necessities of the people, by removing all restrictions on the importation of the necessaries of life. Unfortunate labourers were driven to these practices by distress.
§ Earl Fitzhardingesaid, he was as anxious as his noble Friend to alleviate the distresses of the poor. This Bill, however, he thought a very necessary one. It was a measure that would not interfere with the honest and industrious poor. He could most truly state that during an experience of forty years in the county of Glocester, he had never known an instance where a party convicted of poaching was driven to the commission of that offence through distress or who could otherwise boast of a good character.
§ Bill read a third time, and sent back to the Commons with amendments.