§ Moved, "That the Bill be now read 2a"—(The Earl of Devon.)
THE EARL OF KIMBERLEYwished for further explanation, deeming it a rather strong measure to give the Executive power to fix a salary which was to be charged on the borough rates. He wished to know whether any limit was to be fixed on the salary so imposed, and whether there was any precedent for conferring such a power on the Executive Government?
§ THE EARL OF DEVONsaid, the object of the Bill was to supply an omission in a former measure, which created an office involving labour without providing for the payment of a salary. He could not quote any precedent for this Bill; and he would consider the question of limitation before the Bill passed its next stage.
§ THE EARL OF CLARENDONwas understood to take exception to this mode of imposing taxes upon ratepayers?
THE EARL OF KIMBERLEYsaid, that in English boroughs and counties the salaries of the clerks of the peace were settled by the magistrates, and in this case it would seem more rational that the salaries should be settled by the local authorities and approved by the Government. If the usual authorities failed to make provision, the Lord Lieutenant might have the power to fix salaries.
§ Motion agreed to: Bill read 2a (according to Order), and committed to a Committee of the Whole House on Thursday next.