§ Bill considered in Committee.
§ MR. WHITELAW (Perth)objected to further progress being made with the Bill.
ADMIRAL FIELD (Sussex, Eastbourne)said, he was thoroughly acquainted with the facts of this case. The Bill dealt with the case of a gallant officer, who would suffer a grievous injustice if the Bill were not passed, so he hoped the objection would not be persisted in.
§ MR. WHITELAWsaid, there were several important cases of the same nature to be dealt with in Scotland, and the Government refused to deal with them. Until he could receive an assurance from the Government that these cases would be attended to be was bound to object, and he could not give way to the hon. and gallant Gentleman, because he was pledged to three or four supporters of the Government to take this course.
§ THE SECRETARY FOR SCOTLAND (SIR G. TREVELYAN,) Glasgow, Bridgetonsaid, these Scotch prison officers must be pensioned out of money provided by local rates; but this gallant officer, whose case was dealt with by the Bill, would be pensioned out of the Consolidated Fund—that was, out of the taxpayers' money. The questions were not in the least the same, and he must say the hon. Gentleman opposite, in the course he was taking, was rather exemplifying a certain proverb winch he hoped he would not continue to exemplify.
§ MR. WHITELAWI cannot withdraw my opposition unless I have an opportunity of conferring with hon. Gentlemen supporting the Government.
§ MR. CROMBIE (Kincardineshire)asked, whether the Secretary for Scotland would consider the cases of these Scotch prison officers?
§ SIR G. TREVELYANthought it was impossible to call upon the Local Authorities, who were not bound by Statute, and he did not think were morally bound, to find the funds for the payment of the pensions to these officers. He earnestly trusted his hon. Friend would see the difference between that and a pension on the Consolidated Fund.
MR. GIBSON BOWLES (Lynn Regis)remarked, that the remedy was in the hands of right hon. Gentlemen opposite. If they put down the Bill as a first Order, and allowed time for its discussion, it would be duly passed.
§ Committee report Progress; to sit again upon Friday next, at Two of the clock.