Mr. Roseprefaced his motion for leave to bring in a bill to amend the 23d of the king, as far as it relates to the regulation of the office of paymaster of his majesty's forces, by stating briefly the objects he had in view in bringing forward this measure. He had looked into the reports of the commissioners of accounts, and found that no accounts had been passed from the office of the paymaster previous to the passing of that bill; the provisions of that bill were sufficient to secure the passing of the accounts; but they gave to the public no means of compelling the production of vouchers, or of enforcing the payment of arrears that might accumulate in the hands of the paymasters; in consequence of which, considerable risk was incurred by the public, from the length of time that often elapsed before the accounts were audited. One of his objects, therefore, was, to enforce the production of vouchers to the pay-office, and to give process to the public for the recovery of any arrears that may remain in the hands of the paymasters. Another was, to separate the acting from the retired or removed paymasters. There were many provisions in the existing hill which were found inconvenient or unnecessary. Another object consequently was, by omitting these parts, to accommodate the provisions of the bill to the practice of the office, under improved regulations, adopted since the passing of the bill. The measure he proposed he had prepared 373 during the summer, and had since submitted to the consideration of the auditors of the public accounts, and to the war department of his majesty's government. It had received the approbation of both, and he was sure it was now in a state in which he could confidently present it to the house, the end proposed in it being precisely the same as the hon. framer of the former bill had in view, namely, to prevent any misapplication of the public money. If the house should agree to his motion, he proposed to introduce a bill, and after the first reading to have it printed, and the second reading fixed for this day three weeks, in order to afford time to gentlemen to make themselves acquainted with its provisions. The former act having been entered as read, leave was given to bring in the bill; which Mr. Rose brought up, read a first time, and ordered to be printed, and read a second time this day three weeks.
§ Lord H. Pettyobserved, that more than a month ago he had moved for copies of several depositions relative to the gaol of Kilmainham, and they were not yet forthcoming. He was surprised to find so much difficulty in obtaining papers from Ireland. A similar circumstance had lately occurred, with respect to other papers on a different subject, in which seven weeks had elapsed, without any return being made. He should, therefore, move "that the return for the papers he had moved for should he made forthwith." Ordered.—The house then adjourned to this day fortnight, and the right hon. the speaker, followed by several members, immediately went up to St. James's with the resolutions of Monday last.