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he thought it improper to greet' the information askeo
for respecting the island of Chapati% which was a pri-
vate transaction, and about which Government was in
=tof very imperfectidochasents. All the other Worms-
ele power was as the Hon. Member's service.
After a few remarks from Mr. Hem and Mr. Wrap, the mo-
tion was put and carried.
ADJOURNMENT OF THS HOUSE.
Mr. Secretary CANNING, in a very low tone of voice, made
ease observations respecting an Adjournment of the House,
stbe purport of which was, that the House would adjourn on
Thursday, until Thursday the 14th April.
JOINT STOCK COMPANIES.
Mr. P. MOORE began by saying, that many attacks
bad been made against the honesty and fair-dealing of
the Joint Stock Campania, but as he belonged to se-
veral of them, be could say that they were as perfectly
free from fraud as'any establishments that ever existed.
lie was anxious to excite a discussion on the subject,
and for this purpose he should bring in a Bill to modify
the Act, generally called the Bubble Act. He would
not occupy the House longer now, but would defer his remarks
until the second reading. The Honourable Member concluded by
moving for leave to bring in a Bin to amend the Act of 6th Geo.
The ATTORNEY-GENERAL said, that the Act
in question related to a great many points not con-
nected with the objects alluded to by the Honourable
Mover. That Act affected the rights and existence of two Corporate
Bodies in London. He should, therefore, oppose the motion.
Mr. P. GRENFELL agreed with the Learned Gen-
tleman, but he was ready to agree to any motion ftir
the repeal of portions of the Bubble Act. It was ar.
Act which had never been carried into execution, on
account of its severe provisions, A Prince of the Blood was at the
bead of one Company, and all the Bishops Directors of another,and
the Bubble Act would intact on them the penalties of SpOninidos.l
It was necessary to make some alteration in the Act. 1
Mr. ROBERTSON hoped the interests of the pea*
might be consulted, as well as those of a Prince of the Blood and
the Bench of Bishops.
Mr. ELLICE was ready to consent to the first read-
ing. Liberal principles respecting trade had been
expressed in both Houses of Parliament; but the alarm bad been
sounded out of doors, and it was proper that the question should
be set at rest. The Court of Chancery bad given rise to these
alarms by the warnings and threats expressed there. He wished to
know whether Government meant to interfere in the matter ?
Mr. J.P. GRANT thought that some parts of the Act
of George I. ought to be repealed, but the question was
one of great difficulty. If the Act were repealed, he was not pre-
pared to say. hat would be the situation of the matter at common
law. This was a motion which went too far, and it would be
better to withdraw the motion. It was a question in every point
of view most important.
Mr. Secretary PEEL said, that the first seventeen
clauses of the Act of George I. did not relate to the objects had in
view by the Hon. Mtwer. The motion therefore was imperfect,
and had better be withdrawn.
Mr. H. GURNEY thought that some measure of
legislation ought to be introduced relative to Joint
&ock Companies ; and it would come with a better grace from die
Right Hon. Gentleman opposite.
Mr. P. MOORE said, he would gladly transfer the
business into the hands of Governm•nt, but hitherto
nothing had been done. All the Joint Stock Compa-
nies now existing might be most illegal, and capital to
the amount of 250,000,0004 was affected. He wished
that the subject might be discussed, and therefore he would change
the words of his motion, in order to insure an examination into the
subject. The lion. Member contended that all the Joint Stock
Companies were as honest and upright as the Bank of England.
Mr. HUME made a few remarks in favour of with-
drawing the motion.
M-r, HUSKISSON said, it was very indecorous in
any Hon. Member to bring forward a motion to repeal an Act
with respect to which he was completely in ignorance. He had
better wait till after the holidays, and acquaint himself with the
sisiect in the meantime.
Mr. P. MOORE then withdrew the motion.
Sir H. PA RN ELL moved for leave to bring in a Bill to enlarge
the powers of the Holyhead Road Act.
After a few words from Mr. C. PELHAM the motion
was granted.