HL Deb 27 April 1875 vol 223 cc1685-6

House in Committee (according to Order.)

THE EARL OF FEVERSHAM

said, that this Bill, if passed, would put into the hands of the Lord Lieutenants more power than they at present possessed, and that power they would be able to use for Party purposes. Their Lordships had previously rejected Bills dealing with this subject, and no new arguments had been adduced in favour of the present Bill. The present qualification was not more easily attainable than at any previous time, and, therefore, he hoped the Bill would be rejected.

THE LORD CHANCELLOR

pointed out that their Lordships had already admitted the principle of the Bill by reading it a second time.

THE EARL OF ALBEMARLE

moved, to leave out Clause 1. and insert the following clause:— Notwithstanding the said Act or anything therein contained, every person of full ago and who has during the two years immediately preceding his appointment been the occupier of lands or tenements within any county, riding, or division in England or Wales of the rateable value of not less than two hundred pounds, and shall during that time have been rated to all rates (if any) made for the relief of the poor in respect of the said promises, and who is otherwise eligible, shall be deemed to be qualified to be appointed a justice of the peace for such county, riding, or division.

THE LORD CHANCELLOR

suggested that, instead of the clause proposed by the noble Earl, the following clause should be inserted:— Notwithstanding the said Act or anything therein contained, every person of full age and who has during the two years immediately preceding his appointment been the occupier of a dwelling-house assessed to the inhabited house duty at the value of not less than one hundred pounds within any county, riding, or division in England and Wales, and shall during that time have been rated to all rates and taxes in respect of the said premises, and who is otherwise eligible, shall be deemed to be qualified to be appointed a justice of the peace for such county, riding, or division.

THE EARL OF ALBEMARLE

agreed to the clause thus amended.

Clause struck out.

Original Amendment withdrawn.

Clause agreed to, and added to the Bill.

Other Amendments made; the Report thereof to be received on Thursday next; and Bill to be printed, as amended. (No. 72.)