§ On Motion that this Bill he now read 3a,
§ The EARL of HARDWICKE moved, that it be read a third time that day six months. He believed that the Bill was characterised by great hardship and partiality, and that it would lead to a positive confiscation of a large amount of property. Not only would the landlords of this property lose their rents, but they would have to pay the rates also. A similar Bill had been passed for Liverpool in 1831, the effect of which was to increase the rates in the course of three years from 1s. 9d. to 2s. 6d. in the pound. At the expiration of that period the Bill was repealed, and the rates fell to 1s. 6d. Their Lordships should profit by this experience, and reject the present measure.
§ LORD PORTMAN, as chairman of the Committee that had sat upon the subject of parochial assessments, thought it right to state that the unanimous opinion of that Committee was that some such Bill as the present ought to pass, inasmuch as the greater part of the occupiers under the present circumstances escaped the payment of rates, and the landlords pocketted the difference.
§ Amendment withdrawn; Original Motion agreed to.
§ Bill read 3a, and passed.