HC Deb 12 March 1819 vol 39 cc977-8
The Sheriffs

presented a Petition from the Corporation of London complaining of the crowded state of Newgate.

Mr. Alderman Wood

stated, that the city did not so much complain of being obliged to maintain the criminals of Middlesex as well as of London, as of the crowded state of the gaol, which was now such, that 47 prisoners were under sentence of death, while there were only 15 cells to confine them in. It was also mentioned as a fact, which showed the shocking consequences of the crowded state of this gaol, that 16 persons convicted of an abominable crime, were all confined in one room. If any prisoner was Bent from that House, or any person of rank superior to the common prisoners, he was necessarily confined among the felons. The wish of the city was, to have the petition referred to the committee on gaols.

Mr. Wilberforce

said, that one of the circumstances referred to was so disgraceful and disgusting that some immediate steps should be taken to remedy the evil. He suggested a special committee instead of a reference to the Committee on gaols.

Mr. Alderman Wood

stated, that every possible means had been taken to place these persons in a different situation, but it was, in the present state of the gaol impracticable.

Mr. Brougham

said, that nothing but the most absolute, urgent, and imperious necessity could justify the city of London in adopting the line of conduct which they had done. He could only suppose that the city had not any means to remedy the evil of which they complained; because, if they had, they never could have been reduced to the lamentable alternative, of forcing so disgusting a subject on the House. As the subject had been brought before them, it was their duty to attend to it. The plan of his hon. friend, the member for Bramber, appeared to him the most efficacious

Ordered to lie on the table.