§ On the Motion of Lord Ashley, the Lunatics' Bill was read a third time.
§ Mr. T. Duncombeproposed the introduction of a clause limiting the Bill to three years, and from that time to the then next Session of Parliament. The hon. Member again urged his former objections against the payment to the Commissioners of such enormous salaries.
§ The Clause brought up and read a first time.
§ On the Motion that it be read a second time,
§ Mr. Humesupported the Motion, because, in his opinion, it was of the utmost importance that the public should see how the Bill worked. He also contended, that, as the Commissioners were to be paid such large salaries, their daily attendance ought to be enforced.
§ Lord Ashleydefended the permanent character of the Bill; and contended that it was absolutely necessary to pay large salaries, in order to have men of talent and standing in their professions as Commissioners. In his opinion it was much more economical that the Bill should be permanent.
§ The House divided:—Ayes 13; Noes, 43: Majority 30.
§ Clause rejected.
§ Sir C. Napiermoved the introduction of a clause to the effect that any parish having a population of 100,000 persons, and rated at a rental of 500,000l., be enabled to erect an asylum for itself.
§ Clause read a first time.
§ On the Question that it be read a second time,
§ Sir J. Grahamobjected to the clause being introduced into the Bill, because it was nothing less than engrafting a new Bill upon the one at present under discussion. In fact, it was subject matter for a private Bill. He also objected to the clause, because it would break up the 892 county rate in favour of the parishes of Marylebone, St. Pancras, and St. George, and be in a manner unjust to the other parishes of the county of Middlesex.
§ Mr. Humethought that the clause could not with any consistency or fairness be introduced into the Bill, and would suggest that it might be better to introduce a private Bill to effect the purpose of the clause.
§ Sir J. Grahamsaid, he could give no premature opinion on the subject of a private Bill, because he should like to know what the ratepayers of a part of Paddington, who were a portion of the parish of Marylebone, and a very poor portion indeed, would say to the introduction of a private Bill.
§ Clause negatived.
§ Mr. T. Duncombeprotested against the appointment of medical and legal men as Commissioners with such enormous salaries. He would beg to move, as an Amendment, "That the salary be 1,200l. a year, instead of 1,500l."
§ The House divided on the Question that the words "five hundred" stand part of the Bill: — Ayes 32; Noes 13: Majority 19.
§ Further proceedings postponed.
§ House adjourned.
§ After five o'clock,