§ The Duke of Wellington moved the third reading of this bill.
§ Bill read a third time.
Lord Broughampresented two clauses, of which he had given notice. They were taken from the 58th George 3rd, c. 91, and another act, and had for their object to give the commissioners powers to issue a certificate, which should protect wit nesses who might give evidence that would otherwise criminate themselves.
The Earl of Wicklowfeared the result of those clauses would be to prevent, perhaps, the punishment of guilty parties, who might put themselves forward at first and take the commissioners by surprise.
Lord Broughamsaid, the Objection of his noble Friend was obviated by the fact, that no time was mentioned within which the certificate was to be granted, and that in fact the commissioners would have a discretionary power to grant or refuse a certificate according to circumstances, so that the party who presented himself as a witness would do so with the perfect know ledge of what might be the consequence.
§ Clauses with amendments agreed to.
§ Bill passed.