§ Order for Second Reading read.
MR. HENLEYsaid, no doubt it was very desirable to curtail the expenses which fell on the Sheriffs, but he thought the measure required more consideration than appeared to have been given to it and that its second reading ought to be postponed. He professed to transfer the duty of forming the escort for the Judges of Assize and of maintaining order in court from the High Sheriff and his javelinmen to the county police. It was a serious question whether the effect of this would not often be to subtract largely at the time of the assizes from the number of the county police available for their ordinary duty, and thus afford to the thieves a convenient opportunity for the exercise of their ingenuity. He also thought that some difficulties might arise as to where the jurisdictions of the High Sheriff and the chief constable terminated. For instance, how far would the chief constable of the county, when keeping order in court, be under the directions of the High Sheriff? The whole subject of Sheriffs' expenses might advantageously be inquired into before a Committee—a course much preferable to dealing with the matter piecemeal in the manner now proposed.
SIR GEORGE LEWISsaid, his impression, without having considered the matter, was that the chief constable would not be bound by the present law to obey the orders of the High Sheriff. The duties of the javelinmen were, no doubt, to a great extent ceremonial. He would take care that inquiry should be made of the county inspectors of police on the subject if the 946 hon. Gentleman would postpone the Committee for some time.
§ MR. D. GRIFFITHsaid, that if the House would read the Bill a second time he would postpone the Committee till the 19th of July, which would give ample time for consideration.
§ Bill read 2° and committed for Tuesday 19th July.