HC Deb 07 May 1858 vol 150 cc322-3

MR. P. O'BRIEN moved an Address for return of the names of all persons who have been appointed as magistrates in England and Wales since the first day of March last, specifying the names of those recommending them to such commissions, the dates of such appointments, and the county or town for which appointed. The hon. Member vindicated the course he had taken with reference to this Motion, and maintained the accuracy of the statement he had made in the early part of the evening.

MR. WHITE

seconded the Motion.

Motion made and Question proposed,— That an humble Address be presented to Her Majesty, praying that She will be graciously pleased to give directions that there be laid before this House, a Return of the names of all Persons who have been appointed as Magistrates in England and Wales since the 1st day of March last; specifying the names of those recommending them to such Commissions; the dates of such appointments; the county or town for which appointed; and according to the following tabular form:

[Here follows the tabular form.]

MR. HARDY

said, he must disclaim any intention to offend the hon. Member for King's County (Mr. P. O'Brien) far less to cast any imputation upon his honour. What he objected to was to assent to a Motion which appeared on the face of it to be directed against particular individuals. He was not unwilling, however, on the part of the Government to agree to a return for die last five years, instead of one for the last three months.

MR. WALPOLE

said, he would suggest that the hon. Member for King's County should withdraw his Motion in favour of that which appeared on the paper in the name of the hon. and learned Member for Southwark (Mr. J. Locke) on the understanding that the return should be made out for the last five years, and also that it should be given in a tabular form.

Motion by leave withdrawn.

MR. J. LOCKE moved for an Address for Return of the names of the several Boroughs and of the several Counties of Cities and Towns in England and Wales for which persons have been assigned to act as justices of the peace; and also the names of the persons so assigned to act as such justices since the 1st day of January, 1850, under the Act 5 and 6 William IV., c. 76.

Motion agreed to.

House adjourned at a quarter after twelve o'clock till Monday next.