§ Mr. E. Davenport moved, that a select committee be appointed to consider the best mode of introducing a uniform system of Gaol Discipline throughout the united kingdom. The hon. member stated, that his chief design in bringing this subject before the notice of the House was, to effect an equalization of gaol discipline over the whole country. Every person acquainted with the existing regulations would admit, that they were susceptible of material improvement. A subject so essential to the public appeared to him deserving of serious consideration from the legislature. According to the present system, there was a material disproportion in the punishment for petty offences in different counties. In some places, the term of hard labour was much longer than 719 it was in others. The allowance of food was also unequal.
§ Mr. Westerncoincided in opinion with the hon. gentleman. He thought that a committee might find much to amend and new model in the existing system.
Mr. Peelsaid, he considered it quite impossible to establish a uniform system of gaol discipline throughout the country. Indeed, his opinion was, that there already existed too much minute investigation on the subject, and therefore he would oppose the motion.
§ After a few words from Mr. Leycester, sir F. Burdett, sir J. Yorke, sir W. Guise, Mr. S. Rice, and Mr. Estcourt, the motion was negatived.