HL Deb 22 August 1883 vol 283 cc1607-8

Order of the Day for the Third Reading read.

Moved, "That the Bill be now read 3a."—(The Lord Thurlow.)

Motion agreed to; Bill read 3a accordingly.

Moved, "That the Bill do pass."—(The Lord Thurlow.)

LORD DENMAN

I beg to move the insertion of a clause to empower widows and spinsters, who pay the same rates and taxes as voters do, to vote for Members of Parliament. I am induced to do so because, at my decease, my widow would not be able to vote for a Member of Parliament. In 1881 it was reported that the noble Lord, now Secretary of State for India, had said that I might bring in a Bill on this interesting subject; but I never heard his Lordship say so, though it must be correct, as it is reported in Hansard. But I venture to think that this clause would effect the object far better than the dependence on the carrying of a Reform Bill, or on the agitation of ladies in St. James's Hall. I find that they have exercised their privilege, both by ballot and openly, with much discretion—by ballot as to school boards, and openly in the election at Haddington (Scotland) of two Ministers, at different times, of the Established Church. I believe that, by passing this clause, the Government would not lose any votes at the next General Election. And the Ballot lasting for only one year, it would be seen, as to this class of new voters, if, during that time, their conduct had been wise or the contrary; and the Ballot is, certainly, a great protection to female voters.

Amendment moved, after Clause 2, add the following Clause:— Provided that the Act 35 & 36 Vict. c. 33, continued as aforesaid, shall be extended so as to admit widows and single women who have the same property qualification as the present electors for counties and boroughs to vote for the election of members of Parliament for counties and boroughs."—(The Lord Denman.)

LORD THURLOW

said, he was sorry that he could not accept the Amendment of the noble Lord; but he would point out that the Bill was simply one for continuing expiring laws, and that it was not customary to introduce into such a measure new legislation, particularly of so important a character as that which the noble Lord had suggested.

Amendment negatived.

Motion agreed to.

Bill passed, and sent to the Commons.