BILL FOR PRESERVATION OF THE PEACE.
On the 27th of June the regent sent a message to each house of parliament, acquainting them that he had ordered copies to be laid before them of the information recently received relative to riots which had recently occurred in the cotton manufacturing districts of Lancashire and part of Cheshire, the clothing districts of Yorkshire, &c., confiding in their wisdom to adopt measures for restoring tranquillity. These papers were referred to a secret committee in each house, and the result was the introduction of a severe bill for the preservation of the public peace in the disturbed districts. Some members questioned the extent of the danger and the policy of the coercive bill; but it was carried through both houses.
BILL TO EXTEND THE PRIVILEGES OF DISSENTERS.
On the 10th of July Lord Castlereagh brought in a bill to extend the privileges of the dissenters. This bill, which proposed to repeal certain intolerant statutes and to amend others, relating to religious worship and assemblies, &c. was carried. A bill for improving the ecclesiastical courts in England also received the sanction of the legislature.
PROROGATION OF PARLIAMENT, ETC.
Parliament was prorogued on the 30th of July by commission; and on the 20th of September a proclamation was issued by the prince regent, announcing its dissolution.