Following fierce hostility in the Lords to the Municipal Corporations Bill, the prime minister, Melbourne (1779–1848), was asked on 1 August 1835 if he was prepared to have the evidence collected by the commissioners, who had testified before the House, laid on the Table for their Lordships. Melbourne denied that the evidence would be in a fit shape for doing so. When debate resumed on 3 August, Lord Winchilsea (1791–1858) asked for the evidence to be submitted to the House and the motion was carried against the government.

See The Times, 4 August 1835 and Hansard Third Series vol 29, 29 June to 3 August 1835, cols. 1339-1425.