HC Deb 26 June 1865 vol 180 c847

Bill, as amended, considered.

MR. HENLEY

said, he wished to call attention to the condition of the prisoners who might be committed under the authority of the Bill. The power of commitment was unlimited. He supposed that the prisoners would come under the category of County Court or fraudulent debtors; and, if so, their condition would be almost penal. He trusted, therefore, that the right hon. Baronet at the head of the Home Department would make some regulation by way of safeguard on the subject.

SIR GEORGE GREY

said, he was not certain that all the persons committed under this Bill would be in the position of County Court debtors, though some undoubtedly would be. He would look into the matter, however, that the hardship, if any, might be corrected. The treatment was defined by rules made by the Home Office, and not under an Act of Parliament.

Clause 20 (Imposing upon the Judge in certain cases the duty of settling the terms of appeals).

MR. MURRAY

said, there were many objections to this provision, and moved that it be struck out.

MR. MALINS

said, he thought this was an attempt to re-introduce a pernicious and abolished system. The same practice existed formerly in bankruptcy, and he had seen two days spent before the Judge in an attempt to settle the terms of an appeal.

THE ATTORNEY GENERAL

said, that in deference to the opinions which had been expressed, he was quite willing to allow the question of appeal to remain at large, and see how the system worked.

Clause omitted.

Remaining clauses agreed to.

Bill to he read 3° To-morrow, at Twelve of the clock.