The Marquess of Normanby, on moving the second reading of the County Constabulary Bill, stated that it was his intention, in compliance with the wish expressed to him by several noble Lords, to refer the bill, when it had passed through its present stage, to a Select Committee.
Lord Ellenboroughwas anxious to secure the adoption of the bill, but was satisfied that that object would not be attained, unless the example of Ireland in this respect were followed, and half the expense of the constabulary force put upon the consolidated fund. He should not oppose the sending the bill to a Select Committee up stairs; but he must observe, that in cases where evidence was not required, he thought this practice a bad one. It was of great importance that the public should know from day to day what their Lordships were doing, and how they did it. No publicity was given to the proceedings of a select committee, and for that reason he thought it should never be resorted to, except in cases where the peculiar nature of the subject to be considered rendered it absolutely necessary.
§ Bill read a second time.