§ Mr. Agar Ellis moved for the Appointment of a Select Committee, to inquire into the present state of the Library of the House of Commons, and to take into consideration what further regu- 1428 lations might be necessary for its management, and to report thereon to the House.
§ Mr. Spring Riceseconded the Motion, and expressed his surprise that the necessity of having a well-regulated Library had not been, earlier felt by the House. He had been one of the first persons to recommend the formation of a library, and those Members who opposed his views, were now sensible of its utility. He agreed that it was quite proper to inquire if it could not be placed on a more advantageous footing. At the same time, he must bear his testimony to the merits of Mr. Spiller, the Librarian, whose knowledge and attention afforded every possible facility to those hon. Members who wished to avail themselves of the means of information which the Library afforded.
Sir R. Inglisexpressed his full concurrence in what had been said by the hon. member for Limerick, as to the services of Mr. Spiller; he also agreed with the hon. Member, that it was a matter of great astonishment that such a body as the House of Commons should have gone on, until three years ago, without a. Library. It was not possible, he believed, that such a fact could be stated of any other deliberative assembly.
§ Mr. George Dawsonobserved, that in the whole range of public men, there was not a more meritorious individual than Mr. Spiller. He had not only exerted himself to the greatest degree in the arrangements of the Library, but in the preparation of copious indexes to all the public statutes from 1801 to 1828, which were invaluable for purposes of reference. This latter occupation was not comprehended in Mr. Spider's official duties; and under all the circumstances, the salary of the Librarian, which was only 300l. a-year, appeared to be an inadequate remuneration for so much and such beneficial labour. He trusted, therefore, that House would be convinced of the propriety of augmenting Mr. Spiller's salary.
Mr. Warburtonalso bore testimony to Mr. Spiller's merits. He understood there was a large collection of papers belonging to another House, containing important and valuable documents, which were inaccessible and useless for want of an index. If an index could be formed, so that a reference to these important papers could be easily made, it would be a great advantage.
§ Mr. Humesaid, although no one could 1429 value Mr. Spiller's services more highly than he did, yet he must protest against any increase of his salary, if it were intended to be proposed. 300l. a-year appeared to him to be a sufficient remuneration for his duties as a Librarian. At the same time, he should not object to any regulation which should remunerate him for any additional labour, not falling within the scope of his official duty.
§ Motion agreed to, and the following Committee appointed:—.
§ Mr. Agar Ellis, Mr. Secretary Peel, Mr. Spring Rice, Lord Viscount Lowther, Lord Viscount Morpeth, Mr. Littleton, Mr. Cust, Mr. Ridley Colborne, Mr. George Dawson, Sir Robert Inglis, Sir Henry Hardinge, Mr. Williams Wynne, Sir George Clerk, Sir James Graham, and Mr. Courtenay.