§ Captain Polhillmoved the second reading of the Manslaughter Bill.
§ Sir J. Grahamfelt obliged to oppose the motion. He had consulted with the law officers of the Crown, and the result had been to confirm him in the opinion which he had before entertained. The bill gave a greater power to the coroner than any other single magistrate possessed at present. Even two magistrates sitting in petty sessions had not the power, unless under considerable restrictions and limitations, but no such limitations were laid down in this bill. Under existing circumstances he did not think this power could be safely granted to coroners.
§ Mr. Barnebywas sorry to hear that the right hon. Baronet was determined to oppose the bill, and hoped that he would give his consideration to the subject, in order to remedy the inconveniences and hardships which were perpetually arising under the present law.
§ Captain Polhillmust press his motion. This was a measure of legislation for the poor as well as the rich. Under the present law a rich man could get bail on a charge of manslaughter by certiorari before the Queen's Bench, a course which, of course, a poor man could not afford. The bill was intended to give the coroner the power of admitting to bail, so as to save this expense.
§ Mr. F. Mauleconcurred in the objections of the right hon. Baronet the Home Secretary, and must also oppose the bill.
§ Motion negatived on a division, when the mover could not find a second teller.