§ MR. WARRENsaid, he rose to move for leave to bring in a Bill to empower the House of Commons and its Committees to take evidence upon oath. He did not anticipate that the Motion would meet with any opposition. The power with which the Bill would invest the House was already enjoyed by the Lords, and it was naturally a subject of surprise that it had not yet been extended to the Commons. Moreover, the necessity for the Bill was abundantly evident from the difference in the manner of giving evidence before Committees of the House of Lords and the House of Commons.
§ VISCOUNT PALMERSTONsaid, that it was not the intention of the Government to offer any opposition to the Motion, but he remarked that it was a subject of some importance, and not rashly to be decided on.
§ MR. PEASEsaid, he must object to, the introduction of the Bill, the policy of which he considered more than doubtful.
§ MR. HADFIELDsaid, that the cause of truth would be best advanced by abstaining from requiring evidence to be taken on oath.
§ Leave given.
§ Bill ordered to be brought in by Mr. WARREN, the Marquess of BLANDFORD, and Mr. EDWARD EGERTON.
§ Bill read 1°.