HC Deb 21 March 1850 vol 109 cc1220-1

The House resolved itself into Committee on this Bill.

On Clause 1,

MR. HUME

asked whether the Government had yet paid any portion of the 98,000l. to be voted for head money in the present estimates? He also wished to know whether they meant to call for evidence to show the number of pirates really killed, and for whom prize money was claimed. It had been stated that the number was 2,140; but no depositions had been produced or evidence adduced, to show that they were pirates. He, therefore, wished to know whether this money would be paid before it was proved that they were pirates?

SIR F. T. BARING

replied, that the payments were made under a specific Act of Parliament, which it was now proposed to alter. It would not be fair to these parties to withhold payment under the existing law. When the estimates came on, his hon. Friend would have ample opportunities of discussing the question, when he would have in his possession all the papers in the possession of the Government. He trusted the hon. Gentleman would allow this Bill to proceed without going into the other question.

MR. HUME

said, he highly approved of the Bill; but he protested against the money being paid until evidence was adduced to show that the persons killed were pirates. For his own part he was prepared to show that they were not pirates, but injured and innocent persons.

SIR F. T. BARING

said, there was no power to withhold payment under the existing law. Under this Bill the decision for the future in a case of this kind would be left to the discretion of the Admiralty.

Clause agreed to, as were the remaining clauses.

The House resumed. Bill reported.