§ MR. HUMEwished to ask the right hon. Gentleman the Master of the Mint a question of some importance connected with his department. A statement had appeared in the newspapers, that at a recent trial certain policemen were examined, when it came out that it had been the rule in the department of the Mint to give witnesses connected with the police double payment, or, at least, extra money, when they gave evidence in cases of prosecution for passing base money. This was, if true, a most objectionable course; and he wished to ask the right hon. Gentleman whether the statement were true, and if so, whether any steps had been taken to put an end to it?
§ MR. SHEIL, in consequence of his attention having been directed to the circumstance on Friday last, instituted an inquiry as to whether it was the fact that additional payment was given to the police in cases of Mint prosecutions, when he found that such was the case. He understood that the practice had existed for a considerable time, and at one period to a much greater extent than at present. He thought the practice liable to extreme abuse, and had 1244 accordingly given directions, as far as lay in his power, to put a stop to it.