§ Lord J. Russell moved the Order of the Day, that the House do resolve itself into a committee on the Police Rates Assessment Bill.
Sir E. Wilmotsaid, that the question was one of much importance. The rating of rural districts on account of riots taking place in distant towns was most unjust, and he wished to know whether her Majesty's Government had any intention of remedying the existing law in this respect.
§ Lord J. Russelladmitted, that the case to which the hon. Baronet referred was one of great hardship, but yet it was not peculiar to the part of the country with which the hon. Baronet was connected. The county had to make good the damage in the case of the riots at Nottingham, and that was no greater hardship than had been suffered in Warwickshire. He was 1269 not prepared to propose any remedy at present.
§ Sir R. Peelconcurred with his lion. Friend as to the injustice of the practice. He was the owner of land in Warwickshire, thirty miles from Birmingham; it was a rural district, having little connexion with, and no influence over the regulation of, the town; yet they were called upon for large contributions to make good injuries done during riots in Birmingham. By the law, certainly the vicinage was held responsible for the public peace; but owing to the great changes which had taken place in various parts of the country, the principle now was one fraught with the utmost injustice. It was impossible for farmers residing at a distance of thirty or forty miles to prevent riots in a great manufacturing town.
§ Bill went through the committee.
§ House resumed.
§ Report to be received.