§ Sir G. Stauntonasked whether it were the intention of her Majesty's Government to bring any bill into Parliament, in the course of the present Session, for the purpose of regulating the administration of Justice in the island of Hong Kong, and 221 for determining the powers and jurisdiction of the British consular agents who are to be appointed at the several ports of trade in China, agreeably to the provisions of the treaty entered into with the Chinese Government. He had received private letters from Hong Kong, stating that the greatest inconvenience resulted from the state of incertitude at present existing respecting the administration of justice.
§ Sir R. Peelsaid, it would be absolutely necessary to introduce some legislative measure for the regulation of courts and other matters in the island of Hong Kong. It would, however, be advisable to postpone all legislation until the ratification of the treaty had been received. He had reason to believe that the Government would soon be in possession of the opinions upon the points to which the hon. Baronet's question referred, of Sir Henry Pottinger, to whose activity and ability he was happy to bear public testimony. It was impossible for any man to act with greater moderation, discretion, good sense, energy and firmness, than Sir Henry Pottinger had done. There was reason to believe that long before the Session could be brought to a close the Government would be in possession of that gallant officer's opinion upon several important points, and it was, therefore, considered that it would be desirable to defer general legislation until then. It was possible, however that legislation upon some detached points might take place at an earlier period.
§ Sir G. Stauntonexpressed his gratification with the answer of the right hon. Baronet.