The Sun.
London, England, 1854-07-13 00:00:00

LONDON) BILL.

On the order of the day for going into committee, on
this bill,
Mr. BOUVERIE moved as an amendment, that the
bill be committed this day three months. The bill
would still exclude gentlemen having diplomas from
Edinburgh and Dublin, the medical colleges of which
rivalled any in Europe, from practising-in England.
Mr. HADFIELD seconded the amendment.
Mr. COWAN contended that the Scottish medical
practitioners were entitled to the same rights as their
English brethren. It was unwise to keep up the invi-
dious distinctions which at present exist.
Lord PALMERSTON said, originally he thought it
would be better to postpone all legislation on this sub-
ject until next session, when a general bill might be
brought in embracing all the medical colleges of the
kingdom. He had, however, since received communica-
tions from the authorities of. the London University
which had altered his views in that respect, and he was
now of opinion that it would be advantageous to proceed
at once with the bill. The legislation of last session
with regard to lunatics had exposed the graduates of the
university to penalties which were never contemplated,
and it was desirable that this state of things should be
altered. The objections of Mr. Bouverie could be
removed in committee.

Mr. ATHERTON observed that the opposition to
the bill was based upon the dog-in-the-manger princi-
ple, because those who opposed it did so because they
were not included in it.

Mr. WALPOLE insisted that there ought to be a
general measure placing degrees for all the universities
upon the same footing, and that there should be a uni-
formity of qualification for medical practitioners. He
recommended the withdrawal of this bill, with a view
of introducing such a general measure next session.
Mr. NAPIER urged the claims of the University of
Dublin to grant diplomas, which should extend to all
parts of the kingdom. Gentlemen holding English de-
grees were not excluded from practising in Ireland, and
he thought there ought to be some reciprocity in the
matter. He, however, agreed with Mr. Walpole that
the best remedy for all these anomalies was to place all
medical degrees in the United Kingdom upon the same
footing.
Arr. STURT supported the bill. He admitted that
it was desirable that there should be a common test of
qualifications applicable to all medical professions.
After a few words from Mr. Grogan, Mr. Mowbray,
and Mr. Mitchell,
Mr. BRADY said he was glad to hear that the noble
lord at the head of the Home Department intended
during the recess to devote the energies of his great mind
to the settlement of this question of Medical Reform.
The anomalous state of the law was productive of
incalculable injury to the public, but he hoped next
session the noble lord would be prepared with a large
and comprehensive measure of reform that should prove
alike satisfactory to the house and the profession.
The house divided when there appeared—
For the amendment
Against it
Majority —64
The house then went into committee on the bill.
On clause one,

Mr. MOWBRAY moved an amendment, with the
view of including the University of Durham in the bill.
Mr. HEADLAM and Mr. ATHERTON supported the
amendment.