§ Lord Wharncliffepresented a Petition from the Parish of St. George, Hanover-square, complaining of the expense of the New Police. The petitioners did not complain of the nature of the force, nor of the manner in which it was conducted, but they thought it very hard that they should have to pay so very largely for a security, it costing them 10,000l. per annum, from which others derived as much benefit as they did; under the old watch system, these expenses were 6,500l., and now they were 17,500l.
§ Viscount Melbournesaid, he was glad to find that there was no objection to the nature or conduct of the police force. It was evident that an efficient force could not be procured at the same expense which an inefficient one cost, and it could never, he hoped, be considered a wise economy to starve a service which so effectually preserved domestic peace and the security of property. The police must of necessity be more burthen some in the rich parishes than in the poor; but the question in reality was, did it or did it not benefit those on whom the expense fell? At the same time he assured the noble Lord that every care would be taken to keep down the charges, and to make the service as effective as possible at the least expense.
§ Lord Wharncliffedid not see why the parish of St. George should have to pay for the wants of others; it was quite sufficient that it should be chargeable for the maintenance of its own security. The expense of the watch did not exceed 3½d. in the pound, while that of the police was 11½d.
Earl Rosslynwished to know, how 11d. in the pound could be charged, while the 1000 Act of Parliament only gave a right to levy 8d.
§ Lord Wharncliffesaid, the charge was not made on the parish rate, but on the full value of the property; and it was levied, not by the valuation of the parishioners, but according to a demand made on the parish by the Commissioners of Police. The Act of Parliament determined the whole sum should be charged on the poor-rates, and by that contrivance property was compelled to pay the sum imposed; and, in fact, those who could pay were obliged to pay for those who could not.
Lord Ellenboroughsaid, the parish of St. George had no right to complain. Before the establishment of the police force there was security only in particular places, but at present there was a general security, and those who benefitted by it must pay for it.