HL Deb 18 May 1906 vol 157 c770

Order of the Day for the Third Reading read.

Moved, That the Bill be now read 3a.— (Lord Davey.)

On Question, Bill read 3a.

THE EARL OF WEMYSS moved to omit Sub-section 2 of Clause 1, which provided that any constable might take into custody without warrant any person found committing an offence under the Bill, and might seize and detain any article liable to be forfeited under the Bill. He said that this section gave the police considerably more power than they had at present. He strongly objected to power being given to constables under this Bill to take people into custody without a warrant. This provision constituted a great change in the law, and he did not think that at the present time, when the whole conduct of the Police was being referred to a Royal Commission, it would be wise to give this power. Similar power had been asked for in private Bills and the Committees, after full consideration, had thrown out the provision giving this power. He asked their Lordships, in their capacity as legislators, to take the same course as that adopted by the Committees.

Amendment moved— In Clause 1, page 2, to leave out Subsection (2)."—(The Earl of Wemyss.)

LORD DAVEY

opposed the Amendment on the ground that its effect would be seriously to impair the usefulness of the Bill. If this Bill was to be effective the police must have power to immediately take offenders into custody and bring them before the magistrate. If this power were refused, the police would have very little chance of finding the men afterwards.

On Question, Amendment negatived.

Moved, "That the Bill do pass."—(Lord Davey.)

On Question, Motion agreed to.

Bill passed, and sent to the Commons.

House adjourned at five minutes past Six o'clock, to Monday next, a quarter before Eleven o'clock.