EARL DE GREY AND RIPON, in moving the second reading of this Bill, said, its object was to render permanent an Act of a temporary character which was passed last year for the relief of the houseless poor in the metropolis. The Act had been found to work very satisfactorily, and was generally approved by the Boards of Guardians.
§ Moved, That the Bill be now read 2a.—(Earl de Grey and Ripon.)
THE EARL OF CARNARVONsaid, he had no objection to the Bill, but wished to have some more detailed information as to the working of the Act which this Bill was to render permanent. He understood it had been successful; but he should be glad to be more fully informed of its general operation.
§ THE EARL OF SHAFTESBURYsaid, he understood that the Act had worked exceedingly well. He had received a letter from the rector of one of the largest parishes in London, giving a full statement of its operation. A very large number of cases had been relieved under it, and he did not know of one case which was worthy of relief that had not been attended to. It had been a great blessing indeed to the poor of the metropolis.
§ Motion agreed to: Bill read 2a accordingly, and committed to a Committee of the Whole House on Tuesday next.
§ House adjourned at a quarter past Seven o'clock, till Monday next a quarter before Five o'clock.