HC Deb 03 March 1818 vol 37 cc740-1
Mr. Sumner

presented a petition from James Trotter, John Whitmore, and Thomas Reid, esquires, magistrates for the county of Surrey, complaining that they had been unjustly attacked, as having misconducted themselves in their duty as licensing magistrates of public houses. The depositions of Robert Whitburn a witness examined on the police committee, had formed the ground-work of that unwarrantable and calumnious attack. The petitioners prayed they might be afforded an opportunity of refuting the calumny,

Mr. Bennet

said, that no part of the report was directed against the gentlemen alluded to. Though he thought it would be extremely difficult for them to explain every part of the transactions stated in the evidence in a satisfactory manner. He should certainly feel it his duty to move for the revival of the committee, to allow them an opportunity of justifying themselves.

Lord Lascelles

instanced a case where the reason for withholding a licence was rnistated in the evidence taken by the police committee.

Mr. Bennet

said, that in such a large body of evidence, notwithstanding the utmost pains, it was impossible that much that was incorrect should not find admittance.

Mr. D. Sumner bore testimony to the character of the magistrates whose petition he had presented. Mr. Serjeant Onslow and Mr. Thornton expressed themselves also in strong terms to the same effect.

The petition was ordered to be printed.