§ The Marquess of Lansdownesaid, that perhaps it was not to be expected that a Bill could be introduced for the regulation of the fees paid to Magistrates' Clerks during the present Session, but he would ask the noble Duke opposite, whether, after the various discussions which had taken place, and the number of Returns that had been moved for, it was intended to bring forward any general measure for regulating the fees of Magistrates' Clerks? A Report had been made by the Commissioners appointed to investigate the causes which led to the disturbances which had occurred in South Wales, in which it was stated that, next only in importance to that great and crying evil, the exaction of illegal and unnecessary tolls on the highways, stood these fees claimed by the magistrates, as an incentive to insubordination. A Bill had, he believed, been introduced to remedy the former evil, which he trusted would not be abandoned; but he did not find that any notice had been taken of the abuse to which he had ventured to direct the attention of the Government.
§ Lord Wharncliffesaid, that the Government would not lose sight of the subject; and they would direct their attention, not only to the case of Magistrates' Clerks, but also to the case of the Clerks of the Peace and the Clerks of Assize. They hoped to be able to introduce a measure upon the subject in the course of the next Session.
§ The Duke of Richmondsaid, that he 1070 could never understand why the Clerks of the Peace or the Clerks of Assize in one district should have different fees from the clerks in another district. With respect to Clerks of the Peace, he should wish that their fees were abolished altogether, and that the counties should give them salaries instead. The practice of paying such officers, half by fees and half by salaries was an extremely injurious one, and it would be a great boon if the Government would introduce some measure to amend the system.