HC Deb 17 July 1857 vol 146 cc1681-2

Order for Committee read. House in Committee.

Clauses 17 to 93 agreed to.

Clause 94 struck out.

Clauses 95 to 107 agreed to.

Clause 108.

MR. STIRLING

said, he must object to the manner in which this Bill, containing 109 clauses, was presented to the House. It ought to have a tabular index and table of contents, as it would greatly facilitate reference and perusal by hon. Members.

THE LORD ADVOCATE

said, he would give the necessary directions for that purpose when the Bill was reprinted.

THE LORD ADVOCATE

then proposed the following supplemental Clause:— If it shall appear to the Secretary for the Home Department to be necessary for the discharge of the duties imposed by this Act, he shall have power to appoint, for such period as he shall think fit, one or more medical persons, not exceeding two in all, to be Deputy Commissioners under this Act; and such Deputy Commissioners shall receive a salary not exceeding £500 per annum each, to be paid in like manner, and out of the like fund, as the other salaries payable under this Act; provided always, that no sue appointment shall subsist after the expiration of five years from the passing of this Act, and such Deputy Commissioner shall have such of the powers and perform such duties as the Board may direct.

MR. BUCHANAN

said, the intended appointment of these persons was quite unknown to the Scotch Members. He thought that, altogether, the passing of this Bill had been too much hurried. There was no unanimity as to the machinery of the measure, but some pressure seemed to have been put upon the Scotch Members in respect to legislation on the subject.

THE LORD ADVOCATE

observed that, instead of proceeding too hurriedly, they had been more than ten years employed in the work of legislation. He should have thought that the House had greatly failed in its duty if some attempt had not been made in the present Session to remedy the evils at present existing in the system.

MR. BLACKBURN

observed that he thought the House had delayed too long and hurried too much at last in legislating upon this subject.

MR. KINNAIRD

said, he quite agreed with the Lord Advocate. The neglect that had taken place with regard to lunatics had brought reproach, upon Scotland, and if something had not been done this year, he believed there were Members in the House who would have compelled legislation in the matter.

MR. SCOTT

remarked that he thought the subject required early legislation and mature deliberation, whereas there had been late legislation and very little consideration.

MR. BUCHANAN

explained that he had not meant to say that no legislation ought to have taken place this year; he only contended that the House had been too much hurried at last.

Clause agreed to.

Preamble agreed to.

MR. STIRLING

said, he begged to give notice that he would move the omission of the proposition for the exemption of Shetland on the bringing up of the Report.

House resumed; Bill reported; as amended, to be considered on Monday next.