§ Amendments reported (according to Order).
The EARL of MOUNTCASHELLproposed a clause to the effect that a return should be made annually to Parliament of the name, &c, of every person convicted under the Passenger Act, and of the circumstances attending each such case. Such a return would have the effect of inducing greater care and caution on the part of the masters of emigrant vessels, while it would act as a stimulus to agents and others to employ greater precautions against losses at sea before vessels left the harbour.
§ EARL GREYopposed the clause. The noble Earl proposed that returns should be made annually to that House of the name and all the circumstances connected with every conviction, not only in the United Kingdom, but throughout the colonies. Nothing could be more inconvenient than to require by Act of Parliament a return of this kind. He might not object to such a return for a single year, in order to show the working of the measure, but such a return would, he ventured to say, be not only useless, but an abuse of the powers of legislation.
The EARL of MOUNTCASHELL, notwithstanding what had fallen from the noble Earl, was satisfied that the clause which he proposed would be one of the most efficacious in the Bill.
§ On Question, disagreed to.
§ Bill to be read 3a on Monday next.
§ House adjourned to Monday next.