§ Mr. Hawessaid, that about two years ago a Committee was appointed to inquire into the metropolitan police, and in their Report they recommended certain improvements involving considerable public economy; he wished to ask the noble Lord (Lord John Russell) whether it was likely that Report would be acted upon?
§ Lord John Russellsaid, that with respect to the recommendations of that Committee, he had certainly had them frequently before him, but he could not say that he was fully convinced of the propriety of adopting them all, for he thought some of them would cause inconvenience in the administration of justice in the metropolis. As far as he had been able to judge of the police, he had reason to be satisfied, both with that small portion which was under authority of the police Magistrates, and the larger body which was under the direction of the Commissioners of Police. At the same time he did think that many parts of the Report were worthy of consideration, and he hoped before long to give the hon. Gentleman some more definite information upon the subject.
§ Sir Robert Peelwould take that opportunity of urging upon the noble Lord to take into his consideration the position of the Chief Commissioners of Police. When he (Sir Robert Peel) first instituted that police force, he expressly limited the salaries of the Commissioners to a very low amount, because it was an experiment. He at first intended to have appointed two, for 122 the same reason. The two Commissioners who were appointed, had acted with unabated zeal and activity in the discharge of the duties which had devolved upon them, having acted also in perfect harmony together. But he must say, that their labours had been extremely heavy and severe, and, considering the limited allowance made to them, their character and conduct, and the complete success of the experiment, he thought they had a strong claim to some additional remuneration. He felt bound to bear this testimony in favour of these officers, because when the experiment was in its infancy he was the person who limited the salaries and the number of the appointments. He did not ask the noble Lord to give any opinion on the subject now, but merely wished to direct his attention to it.
§ Subject dropped.