§ On the Motion, that the Chester Criminal's Execution Bill be read a third time,
The Marquess of Westminstersaid, he had a few observations to make on this subject. He thought it, was a hardship on the city of Chester to be obliged to execute all the criminals of the county at large. The expense thus entailed on the city, though not in itself very large, was objectionable, as the corporation of the city was not by any means a rich corporation. If the execution of the criminals, and the attendance on the Judges devolved, as they ought, on the Sheriffs of the county, the expense would be paid by the public out of the "Sheriffs' Cravings," but that would not be the case now the whole burthen was thrown on the city. He trusted, that the noble and learned Lord on the Woolsack would reconsider this Bill, and frame a clause, obviating the objection to which he had referred. He trusted, that for this purpose, the Bill would be allowed to stand over till Monday.
The Lord Chancellorwas not aware of any objection of the sort urged by the noble Marquess. No new charge would be thrown by the Bill upon the city of Chester. The charge would be precisely the same as it always had hitherto borne. The city bore it at the time the Act was passed, under which the recent doubts had arisen, and the Bill only went to restore things to their former state. It seemed to him that there was no ground made out for the postponement of this measure. The assizes at Chester were about to commence, and the provisions of this Bill might become absolutely necessary.
§ The Bill was read a third time.