§ Mr. Humetook that opportunity of putting a question relative to what was reported to have been said by the noble Lord (Althorp) in that House during his absence last night relative to the prosecution by the Sussex Magistrates of the editor of the Brighton Guardian. He had given notice of a Motion upon the subject, but although he felt strongly upon the matter; he had no wish to introduce its discussion, provided Government had no objection to lay before the House the number of cases in which the same interference as to the payment of costs had taken place.
Mr. John Stanleysaid, that all communications which in such cases passed between the Magistrates of the country and the Home-office were usually considered strictly confidential. It had been stated last night, that the expenses of the prosecution in question had been defrayed by Government; and it was not a singular case, the same thing having taken place on several occasions before of great public importance, although not undertaken by the law officers of the Crown.
§ Mr. Humewished to know whether there would be any objection to lay on the table a return of the different sums of money which had been so applied?
Mr. John Stanleysaid, there would be no objection to such a return as far as regarded the present prosecution.