§ House in Committee on the Sheep-steaers (Ireland) Bill.
§ The Lord Chancellorreminded their Lordships that this bill considerably altered the existing law, for it sought to punish a party guilty of sheep-stealing by a penalty of 5l.
Lord Broughamwas at a loss to know why a felony committed in Ireland should be punished by a penalty, when in this country the punishment for a similar felony used to be hanging, and was now transportation for life?
The Earl of Wicklowsaid, it seemed to him that the only case in which the penalty of 5l. was provided, was not where an individual had been proved to steal the sheep, but where a sheep was found in his possession, and he was unable to account for it. Possession was no proof of stealing. Would a man, on proof of possession, be liable to be hung or transported for life?
Lord BroughamMost certainly. If the mutton or skin was found in his possession, and he was unable to account for it, on proof that it was the property of another person, he would be supposed to have stolen it. He (Lord Brougham) never knew a case of sheep-stealing in which there was any evidence of the taking.
§ House resumed.
§ On the question that the report be received,
§ Lord Brougham moved, that it be received this day three months.
§ Agreed to.
§ Bill put off for three months.