HL Deb 30 March 1840 vol 53 cc228-9

On the motion of the Marquess of Normanby their Lordships went into committee upon the Metropolitan Police Amendment Bill. His Lordship said, he should have no objection to the introduction into the bill of so much of the proviso of the bill of last year on this subject as limited the number of magistrates to be appointed in this district to twenty-seven, if the noble and learned Lord did not think that the limitation was sufficiently provided for by the bill of last session.

Lord Wynford

conceived that as the bill gave new powers to the executive, the limitation of the right to appoint magistrates ought to be introduced into this bill.

The Lord, Chancellor

did not concur in the opinion of his noble and learned Friend that there was a necessity for the introduction of such a restriction in this bill.

Lord Wynford

remarked, the Government would, if the clause were amended, be restricted from paying such additional magistrates a salary; and this was the object he considered desirable to attain, for if nothing in the shape of provision for their salaries was made, the appointments would certainly not take place.

The Marquess of Normanby

said, it was a mistake if the noble and learned Lord conceived that he was prepared to admit that her Majesty's Government were to be restrained by this bill, or the bill of last session, respecting the police force, from appointing magistrates to any districts not comprised within the circuit of the metropolitan district, when it might be considered advisable by the executive. With this observation he stated he should have no objection to the amendment proposed.

Amendment agreed to.

House resumed. Bill, with the amendments, reported.