§ THE MARQUESS OF CLANRICARDE moved for a Return of the cost of maintaining the Four Courts Marshalsea Prison in Dublin, specifying the salaries of each official, the cost of allowances to pauper debtors, and all other expenses; and stating from, what funds such expenditure is defrayed. He complained that although imprisonment for debt had been abolished in England, it was still allowed to prevail in Ireland, notwithstanding that for years hopes of abolition had been held out to the people of that country. There were now two Bills on the subject before the House of Commons; but they had been postponed so many times, that he did not believe they would pass this Session. 136 This was not only an injustice to the public of Ireland, but it was also imposing a charge on the public funds which was entirely wasted.
§ Motion agreed to.