§ LORD TRUROasked the permission of their Lord ships, before they adjourned, to say a few words upon a topic which had been before them upon a previous occasion. They knew that Her Majesty's Government was a Conservative Government, and that it was not desirous of interfering with any of the old institutions of the country until their defects were clearly pointed out; but if they were clearly pointed out he had no doubt that they would take steps to remedy any existing evils. He alluded to the Metropolitan Police Force, and expressed himself gratified that as soon as Her Majesty's Government were satisfied that it was absolutely necessary to institute an inquiry into the Detective Department they had appointed a Committee for that purpose. He thought that would give great satisfaction to the country.
THE DUKE OF RICHMOND AND GORDONrose to Order, observing that the noble Lord was pursuing an extremely irregular course, and he must say an unjust one, because he was about to discuss the regulations of the Metropolitan Police without having given any Notice. If the noble Lord wished to call attention to any of the conditions under which the Force now existed he ought to give Notice, and noble Lords would then be able to come down to that House and express their views either for or against the Motion. Although 1634 there was, undoubtedly, a great deal of license allowed in their Lordships' House, he put it to his noble and learned Friend on the Woolsack, whether the course which was being pursued by the noble Lord was one that could be permitted?
§ LORD TRUROdisclaimed any intention of forcing on a discussion upon the subject to which he had alluded; but thought it was permissible, at the close of the Session, to any noble Lord to make suggestions that should be considered by the Committee that had been appointed to inquire into the subject. That was the object with which he rose. He did not propose to raise any discussion, but wished to throw out certain suggestions for the consideration of the Committee. If, however, he could not do that without a breach of the Rules of the House, in consequence of his having omitted to give Notice, he would do so before the end of the Session.
§ House adjourned at a quarter past Six o'clock, to Monday next, a quarter before Five o'clock.