§ The Order of the Day was moved for the second reading of the Police Rates Assessment Bill.
§ Lord G. Somersetsaid, he would not oppose the second reading of this bill, although he was of opinion that it would require much modification before it passed into a law. He had received several communications relative to this measure, and he would propose that the hon. Gentleman should put off the Committee for at least a fortnight, and that in the mean time he should endeavour lo come to an understanding with the different parties interested in this bill who were hostile to some of its provisions. In Committee he should propose to reduce the maximum rate to 6d. in the pound instead of 8d.
§ Mr. F Maulewas glad that the noble Lord had expressed his intention not to oppose the second reading of this measure. With regard to a reduction of the rate from 8d. to 6d. in the pound, he would give the matter his best consideration, and if he saw that it could be adopted, he should throw no difficulties in the way of 924 the noble Lord's proposition. If, on the contrary, he should, after deliberation, come to the conclusion, that in order to secure the efficiency of the police force the higher rate was necessary, he should then state his reasons for resisting the noble Lord's proposition, and leave the House to decide which of the two rates should be adopted.
§ Bill read a second time.