HC Deb 12 February 1819 vol 39

This bill was read a third time. On the motion, that it do pass,

Mr. Denman

said, he had observed a clause in the bill which he considered highly objectionable: it offered a reward to offenders, on their giving information against those who had employed them. This provision appeared to him to encourage the offence against which it professed to guard, and to ensure frequent falsehoods in informations. If the bill could not be carried into effect without this provision, he would rather lose it altogether. What was its object, but merely to mark with a hammer, wrought-iron, so as to distinguish it from cast-iron?

Mr. Stuart Wortley

said, the objection had occurred to others in preparing the bill; but upon consideration, all agreed that without this provision the bill would be ineffectual.

Mr. Denman

was glad that the objection had struck others as well as himself.

The bill was then passed.