HC Deb 19 April 1842 vol 62 cc818-9
Mr. Hutt

rose for the purpose of inquiring from the right hon. Baronet the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether he was prepared to lay before the House any information respecting the administration of justice in boroughs since the passing of the Municipal Corporations Act.

Sir J. Graham

replied, that the hon. Gentleman had given notice of a motion on the subject of the manner in which magistrates were appointed in municipal corporations, and that would afford a convenient opportunity for replying to the question which the hon. Member now put. He would have been prepared to give to that question a fitting reply if the hon. Member had furnished him with any previous intimation as to the nature of the question. For the notice of motion which the hon. Member had given, he was greatly indebted to him. This day fortnight, when that notice came under consideration, he should perhaps be prepared to give him a reply to the question which had now been put.

Mr. Aglionby

said, that certain complaints had been forwarded to the Home-office, and he wished to know whether they might expect to have those laid on the Table of the House?

Sir J. Graham

observed, that it might be more agreeable to the hon. Member than useful to the public that papers impugning the conduct of the Home Secretary should be laid upon the Table of that House; but of this he could assure him, that nothing should be withheld which could with propriety be communicated.

Mr. Hutt

said, he did not ask what complaints had been made against the right hon. Baronet—his question merely related to the manner in which justice had been administered in boroughs since the passing of the Municipal Corporations Act.

Sir J. Graham;

If the hon. Member made a motion, it should receive the fullest attention—if he moved for returns, they should be granted as fully as was consistent with the public interest—and if he put a specific question, he should receive a specific answer.

Mr. Aglionby

begged to explain, he never meant to express a wish for the production of complaints against the right hon. Baronet He merely referred to complaints against the system.