HC Deb 01 July 1861 vol 164 cc172-3

Order for Consideration read.

Clause 4,

MR. BUTT

said, he wished to insert two clauses, the first of which was to the effect that the Indian Judges should, like the Judges in England, hold office during good behaviour, instead of during Her Majesty's pleasure. The second Clause provided that whenever an Indian Judge was removed, the fact of his removal should be communicated to Parliament.

SIR CHARLES WOOD

said, the present law as to the removal of these Judges had been in existence many years without any complaint of having been made. He opposed the Amendment, and it was negatived.

Clause brought up, and read 1°.

Motion made, and Question, "That the Clause be now read a second time," put, and negatived.

Another Clause— Provided always, ''That when any judge of the High Courts shall be removed from his office, a copy of the warrant or other instrument removing him, together with a statement of the reasons for such removal, shall be laid before both Houses of Parliament by one of Her Majesty's Principal Secretaries of State within ten days after the issuing of such warrant, if Parliament shall be then sitting, and if not, within three days after Parliament shall next meet,'

—brought up, and read 1°.

Motion made, and Question, "That the Clause be now read a second time," put, and negatived.

Clause 6,

SIR CHARLES WOOD

said, he had to to propose an Amendment, the object of which was to prevent injustice being done to existing Judges.

Amendment agreed to.

SIR JAMES ELPHINSTONE

said, he wished to add a proviso at the end of the clause by which any covenanted civilian appointed or transferred to any court should be entitled to a retiring pension, the same as that of the other Judges appointed under this Act.

MR. SPEAKER

said, as the clause imposed a charge on the revenue it could not be put unless it was first agreed to in Committee.

Clause withdrawn.

Bill to be read 3° To-morrow.