Notes by Spencer Compton Cavendish, Marquess of Hartington of conversation with Sir Michael Hicks Beach, 9th Baronet

SCC writes regarding a conversation on the Franchise and Redistribution Bill. He writes that Beach has entered the conversation for his views to be kept confidential and his aim is to reach an understanding on Parliamentary reform. He writes that Beach wants to see if an understanding can be reached on restribution as they do not wish to read the Bill in Parliament only for it not be accepted. He reports that Beach's principles of redistribution are that no borough should retain representation below a population of 25,000 and no borough under 50,000 can retain two members, borders between urban and rural should be maintained possibly with populations of 10,000 in some districts, a Commission agreed by both parties should be formed and Ireland should be treated differently with single member districts. He writes further on options for passing the Franchise Bill and agree that it may be passed through the House of Lords or by resolutions in place of a Bill. Date stamped, 29 Oct.

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