HC Deb 07 February 1856 vol 140 c447

Order for Committee read.

House in Committee.

SIR JOHN SHELLEY

said, that there was a very general feeling among his constituents that the Bill should provide that proclamations such as those which were issued at the time of the Hyde-Park riots should be so worded as to bear evidence of their having been signed by the Chief Commissioner under the orders of the Home Secretary. Much of the animosity displayed against the police on the occasion in question was now attributed to the fact that the proclamations were signed by the Commissioner as though he were a Minister of Police acting under his own authority alone.

SIR GEORGE GREY

said, he must repeat the explanation he had given on this point when the Bill was introduced—namely, that these proclamations relate exclusively to police regulations, and that before being published they are invariably submitted for approval to the Home Secretary.

The Bill passed through Committee.

House resumed.

Bill reported without Amendment.

The House adjourned at a quarter after Twelve o'clock.