List of commissions and officials: 1850-1859 (nos. 53-94)

53. COMMON LAW (PLEADING) 1850-60

Five Commissioners were appointed in May 1850 to inquire whether any and what alterations could be made for the better administration of justice in the process, practice and system of pleading in the superior courts of common law at Westminster and on circuit. (fn. 1) An additional Commissioner was appointed in August 1850. (fn. 2) The number of Commissioners fell to five on the death of Jervis in 1856, when Cockburn succeeded him as chairman. The commission issued its first report on 30 June 1851 ([1389] HC (1851) xxii, 567) and its second report on 30 April 1853 ([1626] HC (1852-3) xl, 701). In the course of the next six years no further reports were produced, and in June 1859 the Home Secretary proposed to dispense with the services of the commission's Secretary. (fn. 3) The commission responded by completing its third and final report ([2614] HC (1860) xxxi, 341), a review of the working of the reforms recommended in its first and second reports. The report was received at the Home Office on 20 February 1860. (fn. 4)

Five of the six Commissioners were unsalaried. Walton, who received an official salary as a Master of the Exchequer Court, was nevertheless paid £2,000 for his services as a Commissioner, which were considered totally distinct from his official duties. (fn. 5)

The commission's first Secretary, Lawes, was named in the warrant of appointment. On leaving office in 1851 he was succeeded by Holland, who was already employed by the commission to assist in the preparation of statutes and rules of court effecting the recommendations of its first report. No formal warrant of appointment was issued and in 1853 he was assured by the Home Office that 'a verbal appointment' was sufficient to enable him to act. (fn. 6) Lawes received one payment of £300 for his services as Secretary. (fn. 7) Holland received a fee of 200 guineas for his services as a draftsman. (fn. 8) As Secretary he was awarded a salary of £200. (fn. 9)

Commissioners 13 May 1850 Jervis, Sir J. (fn. 10); Martin, S.; Walton, W. H.; Bramwell, G. W. W.; Willes, J. S. (HO 38/50 pp. 79-82).

8 Aug. 1850 Cockburn, A. J. E. (ibid. pp. 182-5).

Secretary 13 May 1850 Lawes, E. (fn. 11) (ibid. pp. 79-82).

Dec. 1851 Holland, H. T. vice Lawes ([1626] p. 2 HC (1852-3) xl, 704).

54. OXFORD UNIVERSITY 1850-2

Seven Commissioners were appointed in 1850 to inquire into the state, discipline, studies and revenues of the university and colleges of Oxford. (fn. 12) They reported on 27 April 1852 ([1482] HC (1852) xxii).

The Commissioners were unsalaried. They were served by an honorary Secretary, named in the commission, and an honorary Assistant Secretary, appointed by the Commissioners.

Commissioners 31 Aug. 1850 Norwich, Bishop of; Tait, A. C.; Jeune, F.; Liddell, H. G.; Dampier, J. L.; Powell, B.; Johnson, G. H. S. (HO 38/50 pp. 215-19).

Secretary 31 Aug. 1850 Stanley, A. P. (ibid.).

Assistant Secretary 19 Oct. 1850 Smith, G. ([1482] p.v HC (1852) xxii, 5).

55. CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY 1850-2

Five Commissioners were appointed in 1850 to inquire into the state, discipline, studies and revenues of the university and colleges of Cambridge. (fn. 13) They reported on 30 August 1852 ([1559] HC (1852-3) xliv, 1). (fn. 14)

The Commissioners and their Secretary, appointed by the Commissioners, were unsalaried.

Commissioners 31 Aug. 1850 Chester, Bishop of; Peacock, G.; Herschel, Sir J. F. W.; Romilly, Sir J.; Sedgwick, A. (HO 38/50 pp. 219-22).

Secretary Bateson, W. H. (fn. 15)

56. DIVORCE LAW 1850-3

Seven Commissioners were appointed in 1850 to inquire into the state of the law of divorce, and more particularly into the mode of obtaining a divorce a vinculo matrimonii. (fn. 16) Their undated report ([1604] HC (1852-3) xl, 249) was delivered to the Home Office on 24 February 1853. (fn. 17) Redesdale did not sign the report and a statement of his reasons for not entirely concurring in it was appended to it. (fn. 18)

The Commissioners and their Secretary, appointed by the Commissioners, served without salary.

Commissioners 10 Dec. 1850 Campbell, Lord; Lushington, S.; Beaumont, Lord; Redesdale, Lord; Pleydell Bouverie, Hon. E.; Walpole, S. H.; Wood, W. P. (HO 38/50 pp. 323-7).

Secretary by 18 Jan. 1851 Macqueen, J. F. (HO 74/2 p. 176).

57. CHANCERY 1850-6

Seven Commissioners were appointed in 1850 to inquire whether any alterations could be made for the better administration of justice in the process, practice and system of pleading in the court of chancery. (fn. 19) In January 1851 the scope of the inquiry was extended to include the jurisdiction of the court and of the several other departments then administered under the authority of the Lord Chancellor. (fn. 20) In response to a Commons' address of 28 June, two additional Commissioners, not of the legal profession, were appointed and the commission was instructed to direct its immediate attention to the course of business in the Masters' offices and to report the steps necessary to regulate the business so as to diminish the delay and expense to the suitor. (fn. 21) The commission produced its first report, dealing with the court's jurisdiction, the course of business before the Masters and various other aspects of the court's procedures on 27 January 1852 ([1437, 1454] HC (1852) xxi, 1, 333).

In November 1852 the number of Commissioners, which had fallen to eight on the death of Parker, was increased to thirteen. An additional subject of inquiry, the state of the law in relation to matters testamentary and the grant of letters of administration, and the jurisdiction of the ecclesiastical courts and the courts of law and equity, was imposed upon the commission. (fn. 22) It produced its second report ([1731] HC (1854) xxiv, 1) on this subject on 11 January 1854. Harding dissented from the report and was unable to sign it, and Romilly, Turner, Graham, Bethell and Rolt dissented from some of its recommendations. (fn. 23)

The commission produced its third and final report on 14 April 1856 ([2064] HC (1856) xxii, 1), which was principally devoted to the methods of taking evidence in chancery and of adopting and drawing up the decrees and orders of the court. It was not signed by Harding.

The Commissioners were unsalaried. Their Secretary, named in the commission, was awarded a salary of £600. (fn. 24)

Commissioners 11 Dec. 1850 Romilly, Sir J.; Turner, G. J.; Bethell, R.; Parker, J. (fn. 25); Wood, W. P.; Crompton, C. J.; James, W. M. (HO 38/50 pp. 327-33).

4 July 1851 Graham, Sir J. R. G.; Henley, J. W. (HO 38/51 pp. 88-93).

20 Nov. 1852 Kindersley, Sir R. T.; Dodson, Sir J.; Lushington, S.; Harding, Sir J. D.; Rolt, J. (HO 38/52 pp. 150-9).

Secretary 11 Dec. 1850 Barber, C. C. (HO 38/50 pp. 327-33).

58. CATHEDRAL AND COLLEGIATE CHURCHES 1852-5

Thirteen Commissioners were appointed in 1852 to inquire into the state of the cathedral and collegiate churches in England and Wales with a view to the suggestion of such measures as might render them more efficient in promoting and extending the means of public worship and religious education and in enforcing ecclesiastical discipline within their dioceses. They were also required to suggest ways in which the churches and their revenues might be made available in aid of the erection of new sees or of other arrangements for the discharge of episcopal duties. (fn. 26) The commission issued its first report, a review of the churches' historical and contemporary function, on 6 April 1854 ([1821, 1822] HC (1854) xxv, 1, 119). It issued a second report, on the subject of a separate bishopric for Cornwall, on 16 March 1855 ([1935] HC (1854-5) xv, 35). Its third and final report, containing its recommendations for the improvement of the capitular foundations, was signed on 10 May 1855 ([1936] HC (1854-5) xv, 39). The final report was not signed by Blandford and Harrowby. Villiers and Wordsworth dissented from some of the recommendations. (fn. 27)

The Commissioners were unsalaried. Their first Secretary, Jones, named in the commission, was awarded a salary of £800. (fn. 28) His successor, Kingscote, appointed by warrant under the royal sign manual, was in receipt of a salary of £800 as Secretary to the Subdivision of Parishes Commission (50), and was awarded a sum of £200 for the additional duty imposed upon him as Secretary to this commission. (fn. 29)

Commissioners 10 Nov. 1852 Canterbury, Archbishop of; York, Archbishop of; Blandford, Marquess of; Harrowby, Earl of; London, Bishop of; Oxford, Bishop of; Dodson, Sir J.; Patteson, Sir J.; Wood, Sir W. P.; Wordsworth, C.; Hook, W. F.; Jackson, J. (fn. 30); Selwyn, W. (HO 38/52 pp. 134-44).

31 Oct. 1853 Villiers, Hon. H. M. vice Jackson (HO 38/53 pp. 184-7).

Secretary 10 Nov. 1852 Jones, R. (fn. 31) (HO 38/52 pp. 134-44).

11 Feb. 1854 Kingscote, H. vice Jones (HO 38/53 pp. 258-9).

59. SHIPPING DUES 1853-5

Three Commissioners were appointed in 1853 to inquire into the local charges on shipping in the ports of the United Kingdom, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man. (fn. 32) The number of Commissioners fell to two in August 1854 on the resignation of Manners Sutton, when Drinkwater Bethune became the Chief Commissioner. The commission issued three reports: on England, July 1854 ([1836] HC (1854) xxxvii); on Ireland, 20 March 1855 ([1911] HC (1854-5) xxvii, 1); on Scotland, the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man and on charges levied in the Port of London by parties not connected with the Corporation of London, July 1855 ([1967] HC (1854-5) xxvii, 177).

The Commissioners were awarded salaries of £800. (fn. 33) They did not employ a secretary. (fn. 34)

Commissioners 19 March 1853 Manners Sutton, Hon. J. H. T.; (fn. 35) Drinkwater Bethune, C. R.; Blackburn, C. (HO 38/52 pp. 339-43).

60. MERCANTILE LAWS 1853-5

Eight Commissioners were appointed in 1853 to inquire as to the expediency of assimilating the mercantile laws of the United Kingdom; and also whether any amendments should be made in the law of partnership regarding the question of the limited or unlimited responsibility of partners. (fn. 36) They issued their first report, 27 April 1854, (fn. 37) on the law of partnership ([1791] HC 1854 xxvii, 445). The report was not signed by Bramwell, Anderson and Hodgson and their opinions together with the partial dissents of Marshall and Slater were appended to it. (fn. 38) Their undated second report dealt with the assimilation of the mercantile laws ([1977] HC (1854-5) xviii, 653). It was signed by all the Commissioners, Cusack Smith and Anderson dissenting from parts of it. (fn. 39)

The Commissioners were unsalaried. (fn. 40) Their Secretary, named in the commission, was awarded an allowance of £600 for his services, calculated at the rate of £300 per annum for the period of two years during which the commission sat. (fn. 41)

Commissioners 1 June 1853 Cusack Smith, T. B.; Cresswell, Sir C.; Marshall,J.; Bramwell, G. W. W.; Anderson, J.; Hodgson, K. D.; Bazley, T.; Slater, R. (HO 38/ 52 pp. 448-54).

Secretary 1 June 1853 Fane, W. D. (ibid.).

61. CORPORATION OF LONDON 1853-4

Three Commissioners were appointed in 1853 to inquire into the state of the Corporation of the City of London, to collect information on its constitution, order and government and to consider measures for its future government. (fn. 42) Their undated report ([1772] HC (1854) xxvi) was sent to the Home Office on 28 April 1854. (fn. 43)

The Commissioners were unsalaried. Their Secretary, appointed by the Commissioners, was awarded an allowance of £300 for his services. (fn. 44)

Commissioners 22 June 1853 Labouchere, H.; Patteson, Sir J.; Lewis, G. C. (C 66/4983).

Secretary 27 June 1853 Coleridge, J. D. (E. H. Coleridge, Life and correspondence of John Duke, Lord Coleridge (2 vols. 1904) i, 205).

62. COUNTRY COURTS 1853-5

Nine Commissioners were appointed in 1853 to inquire into the state and practice of the county courts, and particularly with respect to the fees levied within them. (fn. 45) They reported on 31 March 1855 ([1914] HC (1854-5) xviii, 149). Taylor signed the report but dissented from a number of its recommendations. (fn. 46)

The Commissioners were unsalaried. Their Secretary, named in the commission, was an Extra Clerk in the Treasury. The chairman of the commission recommended that he be awarded a salary of £300 but was told by the Treasury that it had made an arrangement with respect to his permanent salary that was satisfactory to him and that no special remuneration would be awarded. (fn. 47)

Commissioners 20 Aug. 1853 Romilly, Sir J.; Erle, Sir W.; Crompton, Sir C.J.; Fitzroy, Hon. H.; Keating, H. S.; Koe,J. H.; Dowling, A. S.; Taylor,J. P.; Mullings, J.R. (HO 38/53 pp. 107-12).

Secretary 20 Aug. 1853 Nicol, H. (ibid.).

63. BRIMINGHAM BOROUGH PRISON 1853-4

Three Commissioners were appointed in 1853 to inquire into the condition and treatment of the prisoners confined in Birmingham Borough Prison and into the conduct, management and discipline of the prison. (fn. 48) They reported on 25 Jan. 1854 ([1809] HC (1854) xxxi).

The Commissioners were remunerated jointly both for this inquiry and their concurrent inquiry into Leicester County Gaol (see 65). They employed only a clerk to assist them.

Commissioners 22 Aug. 1853 Welsby, W. N.; Williams, W. J.; Baly, W. (C 66/4983).

64. BANKRUPTCY LAW 1853-4

Eight Commissioners were appointed in 1853 to inquire whether the law of bankruptcy, as it then existed under the Bankrupt Law Consolidation Act (12 & 13 Vict. c. 106), required amendment. (fn. 49) They reported on 10 April 1854 ([1770] HC (1854) xxiii).

The Commissioners were unsalaried. (fn. 50) Their Secretary, named in the commission, was awarded an allowance of £300 for his services. (fn. 51)

Commissioners 23 Aug. 1853 Walpole, S. H.; Rose, Sir G.; Swanston, C. T.; Hill, M. D.; Bacon, J.; Holroyd, E.; Cooke, E.; Glyn, G. C. (HO 38/53 pp. 114-20).

Secretary 23 Aug. 1853 Reilly, F. S. (ibid.).

65. LEICESTER COUNTY GAOL 1853-4

Three Commissioners were appointed in 1853 to inquire into the condition and treatment of the prisoners confined in Leicester County Gaol and House of Correction and into the conduct, management and discipline of the gaol. (fn. 52) They reported on 25 January 1854 ([1808] HC (1854) xxxiv, 197).

The Commissioners were remunerated jointly both for this inquiry and their concurrent inquiry into Birmingham Borough Prison (63). For the twenty-two days during which they took evidence, Welsby received 10 guineas a day; Williams, who was already in receipt of a salary as an Inspector of Prisons, received 5 guineas a day; and Baly, the Medical Superintendent of Millbank Prison, received 10 guineas a day for seven days and 5 guineas a day for fifteen days. (fn. 53) They employed only a clerk to assist them.

Commissioners 30 Aug. 1853 Welsby, W. N.; Williams, W.J.; Baly, W. (HO 38/ 53 pp. 126-31).

66. NEWCASTLE CHOLERA 1853-4

Three Commissioners were appointed in 1853 to inquire into the causes which had led to or had aggravated an outbreak of cholera in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Gateshead and Tynemouth. (fn. 54) They reported, after much delay, (fn. 55) on 15 July 1854 ([1818] HC (1854) xxxv, 131).

On their appointment the Commissioners were promised remuneration at the rate of 5 guineas a day in addition to their actual travelling and personal expenses. (fn. 56) Simon and Bateman accepted this rate and were paid for forty-two and forty-one days' work respectively. (fn. 57) Hume did not, and after a lengthy dispute, was in July 1855 awarded 5 guineas a day for thirty days during which he was employed taking evidence and travelling, 5 guineas a day for twenty-one days during which he was employed in preparing and digesting evidence and an allowance of £100 for preparing the report. (fn. 58) No secretary appears to have been employed, all correspondence being conducted by the Chief Commissioner, Hume.

Commissioners 31 Dec. 1853 Hume, J. B.; Simon, J.; Bateman, J. F. (C 66/4984).

67. REGISTRATION OF TITLE 1854-7

Twelve Commissioners were appointed in 1854 to consider the subject of the registration of title with reference to facilitating the sale and transfer of land. (fn. 59) Their undated report ([2215] HC (1857 Sess. 2) xxi, 245) was presented to the House of Commons on 15 May 1857. (fn. 60) It was not signed by Cockburn and Wilson. Wilson's plan of registration, dated 1 December 1856, was printed as an appendix to the report. (fn. 61) Headlam, Scully and Denison dissented from sections of the report. (fn. 62)

The Commissioners were unsalaried. Their Secretary, named in the commission, was awarded a salary of £300. (fn. 63)

Commissioners 18 Jan. 1854 Walpole, S. H.; Napier, J.; Cockburn, Sir A. J. E.; Bethell, Sir R.; Headlam, T. E.; Scully, V.; Lowe, R.; Lewis, W. D.; Drummond, H.; Denison, J. E.; Wilson, R.; Cookson, W. S. (HO 38/53 pp. 237-43).

Secretary 18 Jan. 1854 Sanders, G. W. (ibid.).

68. PROMOTION AND RETIREMENT IN THE ARMY 1854

Eleven Commissioners were appointed in February 1854, in view of the advanced age of the great majority of the officers in the upper ranks of the army, to inquire into the several methods of promotion and retirement then available and to report what changes it would be practicable to make. (fn. 64) They reported on 17 June 1854 ([1802] HC (1854) xix, 833). Herbert, the Secretary at War, although not named first in the commission, signed the report as chairman and replied as chairman to Cathcart, Ross and Burgoyne who dissented from several of the recommendations which referred to the Ordnance Corps. (fn. 65)

Neither the Commissioners, nor their Secretary, who was appointed by the Commissioners, were awarded any remuneration.

Commissioners 25 Feb. 1854 Hardinge, Viscount; Raglan, Lord (fn. 66); Grey, Earl; Cathcart, Earl; Panmure, Lord; Seaton, Lord; Herbert, Hon. S.; Pakington, Sir J. S.; Ellice, E.; Buller, G. (fn. 66); Knollys, W. T. (HO 38/53 pp. 275-81).

9 May 1854 Burgoyne, Sir J. F.; Ross, Sir H. D. vice Raglan and Buller (ibid. pp. 415-23).

Secretary Ramsay, G. D. (fn. 67)

69. INNS OF COURT 1854-5

Eleven Commissioners were appointed in 1854 to inquire into the arrangements of the inns of court and chancery for promoting the study of the law and jurisprudence. (fn. 68) They reported on 10 August 1855 ([1998] HC (1854-5) xviii, 345). Stewart did not sign the report, and is not recorded as having attended any of the commission's meetings.

The Commissioners were unsalaried. Their Secretary, named in the commission, was awarded an allowance of 150 guineas for his services. (fn. 69)

Commissioners 5 May 1854 Wood, Sir W. P.; Coleridge, Sir J. T.; Napier, J.; Cockburn, Sir A. J. E.; Bethell, Sir R.; Perry, Sir T. E.; Shaw Lefevre, J. G.; Keating, H. S.; Greenwood, T.; Stewart, J.; Lavie, G. (HO 38/53 pp. 409-14).

Secretary 5 May 1854 Airey, J. T. (ibid.).

70. RIVER TYNE 1854-5

Five Commissioners were appointed in 1854 to inquire into the state of the River Tyne and to consider whether the encroachments on the tidal waters of the river by jetties, embankments and other works executed or proposed to be executed on its banks had injured the navigation and counteracted the plans for removing sand banks at the mouth of the river. (fn. 70) They reported on 19 May 1855 ([1948, 1948-1] HC (1854-5) xxviii, 1, 541).

Neither the Commissioners nor their Secretary, named in the commission, received any remuneration.

Commissioners 14 Nov. 1854 Bowles, W.; Bell, Sir J.; Fitzroy, R.; Armstrong, R. B.; Brunel, I. K. (C 66/4987).

Secretary 14 Nov. 1854 Evans, F.J. O. (ibid.).

71. BLEACHING WORKS 1854-5

A single Commissioner was appointed in 1854 to inquire how far it might be advisable to extend the Factory Acts to bleaching works in Great Britain and Ireland. (fn. 71) He reported on 7 June 1855 ([1943] HC (1854-5) xviii, 1).

As Commissioner Tremenheere was already in receipt of an official salary as an Inspector of Mines, he was awarded no salary as a Commissioner, but was permitted to claim expenses. (fn. 72)

Commissioner 30 Nov. 1854 Tremenheere, H. S. (HO 38/54 pp. 153-6).

72. HYDE PARK DISTURBANCES 1855

Three Commissioners were appointed in July 1855 to inquire into the disturbances in protest against the Sunday Trading Bill which had taken place in Hyde Park on 1 July and particularly into the conduct of the officers and constables of the Metropolitan Police and into the truth of the complaints made against them. (fn. 73) They reported on 10 November 1855 ([2016] HC (1856) xxiii).

Of the Commissioners, Stuart Wortley, who was a Member of Parliament, received no remuneration; Armstrong and Henderson were awarded 200 guineas each, calculated at the rate of 10 guineas a day for the fifteen days during which the commission sat, in addition to 50 guineas for the preparation of the report. (fn. 74) Their Secretary, appointed by the Commissioners, was awarded 45 guineas for his services. (fn. 75)

Commissioners 14 July 1855 Stuart Wortley, Hon. J. A.; Armstrong, R. B.; Henderson, G. (C 66/4989).

Secretary Bullock, E. (fn. 76) (HO 45/6092/50).

73. DECIMAL COINAGE 1855-9

Three Commissioners were appointed in 1855 to inquire into the expediency of introducing the principle of decimal division into the coinage of the United Kingdom. (fn. 77) They issued a preliminary report on 4 April 1857 ([2212] HC (1857 Sess. 2) xix, 1), which did little more than review the history of previous considerations of the question and present the evidence thus far received. At the same time a series of questions communicated by one of the Commissioners, Overstone, were printed as a separate House of Commons paper ([2213] HC (1857 Sess. 2) xix, 385). They had been drawn up 'with the view of bringing under distinct notice and examination some of the advantages of our present system of coinage, and some of the principal objections and difficulties which have been suggested with respect to the proposed introduction of the decimal principle', and it had therefore been felt that it would have been open to misconception if they had been printed as an appendix to the report. (fn. 78) A second report, submitting responses received to Overstone's questions ([2297] HC (1857-8) xxxiii, 603) was presented to the House of Commons on 11 December 1857. (fn. 79) In the summer of 1858, by which time all three Commissioners had not met together for a year, Overstone pressed for a final decision to be taken. He was then unsuccessful but managed to secure a meeting on 1 February 1859 when it was resolved that each Commissioner would lay a separate draft report before the commission. (fn. 80) On 1 March Overstone submitted to the commission several resolutions hostile to decimalisation; and on 20 March the chairman, Monteagle, resigned following comments made in the House of Commons by the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Disraeli, as to the commission's slowness in reporting. (fn. 81) The way was now clear for a final report, based on Overstone's resolutions. It was signed on 5 April 1859 by Overstone and Hubbard ([2529] HC (1859 Sess. 2) xi, 1). (fn. 82)

The Commissioners were unsalaried. Their Secretary, appointed by the Commissioners, was awarded a salary of £400. (fn. 83)

Commissioners 1 Nov. 1855 Monteagle, Lord; (fn. 84) Overstone, Lord; Hubbard, J. G. (C 66/4991).

Secretary by 15 Jan. 1856 Smith, A. (T 104/3, S. E. Spring Rice to Monteagle, 15 Jan. 1856).

74. PURCHASE AND SALE ARMY COMMISSIONS 1856-7

Ten Commissioners were appointed in 1856 to inquire into the system by which gentlemen were permitted to enter the army and officers were permitted to advance by the purchase of commissions at fixed prices and likewise to retire by selling them. (fn. 85) The undated report of the Commissioners ([2267] HC (1857 Sess. 2) xviii, 1) was presented to the House of Commons on 13 August 1857. (fn. 86) It was signed by only six of the Commissioners. Ellice, Wynyard and Bentinck submitted a minority report dated 3 August 1857. (fn. 87) Wetherall signed neither the majority nor the minority report.

The Commissioners were unsalaried. Their Secretary, appointed by the Commissioners, was awarded an allowance of £600 for his services. (fn. 88)

Commissioners 10 May 1856 Somerset, Duke of; Stanley, Lord; Herbert, Hon. S.; Ellice, E.; Wynyard, E. B.; Evans, Sir G. de L.; Jones, Sir H. D.; Bentinck, Sir H. J. W.; Glyn, G. C.; Wetherall, E. R. (London Gazette no. 21883).

Secretary O'Brien, H. H. D. (fn. 89)

75. COMMON LAW (JUDICIAL BUSINESS) 1856-7

Nine Commissioners were appointed in 1856 to inquire into the arrangements for transacting the judicial business, civil and criminal, of the superior courts of common law; into the times and places at which assizes were held and into the division of the country into circuits; and to report whether business could be transacted with greater convenience and less expense and whether any reduction could be made in the number of judges. (fn. 90) They reported on 31 July 1857 ([2268] HC (1857 Sess. 2) xxi, 1). Stuart Wortley did not sign the report.

The Commissioners were unsalaried. Their Secretary, named in the commission, received an allowance of £200 for his services. (fn. 91)

Commissioners 3 Dec. 1856 Campbell, Lord; Wensleydale, Lord; Alderson, Sir E. H. (fn. 92); Cresswell, Sir C.; Pakington, Sir J. S.; Stuart Wortley, Hon. J. A.; Thesiger, Sir F.; (fn. 93) Wilson Pattern, J.; Waddington, H. (HO 38/56 pp. 97-102).

3 Feb. 1857 Martin, Sir S. vice Alderson (ibid. pp. 189-97).

30 April 1857 Eversley, Viscount vice Thesiger (ibid. pp. 316-22).

Secretary 3 Dec. 1856 Walton, W. H. (ibid. pp. 97-102).

76. NATIONAL GALLEEY SITE 1856-7

Six Commissioners were appointed in 1856 to determine the site of the new National Gallery and to report on the desirability of combining with it the fine art and archaeological collections of the British Museum. (fn. 94) The number of Commissioners was effectively reduced to five by Ford's inability to act. They reported on 15 June 1857 ([2261] HC (1857 Sess. 2) xxiv, 1).

The Commissioners were unsalaried. Their Secretary, appointed by the Commissioners, was awarded an allowance of £300 for his services. (fn. 95)

Commissioners 17 Dec. 1856 Broughton, Lord; Milman, H. H.; Ford, R. (fn. 96); Faraday, M.; Cockerell, C. R.; Richmond, G. (C 66/4996).

Secretary 28 Jan. 1857 Butler, H. M. ([2261] p. vii HC (1857 Sess. 2) xxiv, 9).

77. NON-PAROCHIAL REGISTERS 1857

Seven Commissioners were appointed in 1857 to inquire into the state, custody and authenticity of any non-parochial registers of births, marriages and deaths not examined by the commission appointed in 1836 (23); and into the best means of depositing and preserving them, and facilitating their production as evidence in courts of law. (fn. 97) They reported on 31 December 1857 ([2331] HC (1857-8) xxiii, 241).

The Commissioners were unsalaried. Their Secretary, appointed by the Commissioners, was awarded an allowance of £200 for his services. (fn. 98)

Commissioners 1 Jan. 1857 Gale, S.; Burn, J. S.; Graham, G.; Lush, R.; Parken, W. P.; Mann, H.; Terrell, T. H. (C 66/4996).

Secretary Jan. 1857 Hammack, J. T. ([2331] p. 6 HC (1857-8) xxiii, 246).

78. CANTERBURY,LONDON, WINCHESTER AND ROCHESTER DIOCESES 1857-8

Nine Commissioners were appointed in 1857 to consider the state of the dioceses of Canterbury, London, Winchester and Rochester with special reference to their extent and boundaries, the number of benefices and the population contained within them, and the position of their cathedral churches; and to report whether any alterations might be made in them. (fn. 99) They reported on 31 March 1858 ([2365] HC (1857-8) xxiv, 123). Wigram, the Archdeacon of Winchester, declined to sign the report. (fn. 100)

The Commissioners were unsalaried. Their Secretary, named in the commission, was awarded an allowance of £800 for his services. (fn. 101)

Commissioners 8 April 1857 Canterbury, Archbishop of; Harrowby, Earl of; Chichester, Earl of; Walpole, S. H.; Lushington, S.; Twiss, T.; Sinclair, J.; Wigram, J. C.; Jones, H. C. (C 66/4997).

Secretary 8 April 1857 Knyvett, F. (ibid.).

79. SANITARY CONDITION OF THE ARMY 1857

Nine Commissioners were appointed in 1857 to inquire into the sanitary condition of the army, the state of the military hospitals and the efficiency of the Army Medical Department; and to report what measures they thought advisable for the prevention of sickness and the treatment of disease in the forces. (fn. 102) Their undated report ([2318, 2379] HC (1857-8) xviii, xix, 1) was presented to the House of Commons on 25 August 1857. (fn. 103) Smith offered observations critical of the report to which Herbert as chairman replied. (fn. 104)

The Commissioners were unsalaried. Their Secretary, appointed by the Commissioners, was awarded an allowance of £600 for his services. (fn. 105)

Commissioners 5 May 1857 Herbert, Hon. S.; O'Brien Stafford, A. S.; Storks, Sir H. K.; Smith, A.; Alexander, T.; Phillips, Sir T.; Martin, J. R.; Clark, Sir J.; Sutherland, J. (London Gazette no. 21998).

Secretary Balfour, T. G. (fn. 106)

80. ORDNANCE SURVEY 1857-8

Eleven Commissioners were appointed in 1857 to inquire into the principal purposes which the National Ordnance Survey should fulfil and the scale or scales upon which the maps and plans of the United Kingdom should be drawn and published. (fn. 107) They reported on 20 May 1858 ([2396] HC (1857-8) xix, 585). McNeill did not sign the report.

The Commissioners were unsalaried. Their Secretary, named in the commission, was awarded an allowance of £100 for his services. (fn. 108)

Commissioners 24 Dec. 1857 Wrottesley, Lord; Rosse, Earl of; Brougham, Lord; Turner, Sir G.J.; McNeill, D.; Airy, G. B.; Cardwell, E.; Cameron, D. A.; Griffith, R.J.; Brunel, I. K.; Vignoles, C. B. (London Gazette no. 22096).

Secretary 24 Dec. 1857 Stokes, G. G.

81. PROMOTION AND RETIREMENT IN THE ARMY 1858

Twelve Commissioners were appointed in April 1858 to inquire into the subject of promotion and retirement in the higher ranks of the army, commencing with the rank of major; and into the working of the system recommended in the report of the commission which had considered the same subject in 1854 (see 68) (fn. 109). They reported on 10 July 1858 ([2418] HC (1857-8) xix, 241). Herbert, although not named first in the commission, signed the report as chairman.

The Commissioners were unsalaried. Their Secretary, appointed by the Commissioners, was awarded an allowance of £100 for his services. (fn. 110)

Commissioners 12 April 1858 Cambridge, Duke of; Newcastle, Duke of; Grey, Earl; Panmure, Lord; Rokeby, Lord; Herbert, Hon. S.; Ellice, E.; Scarlett, Hon. Sir J. Y.; Williams, Sir W. F.; Smith, Sir J. M. F.; Storks, Sir H. K.; Eyre, H. (London Gazette no. 22132).

Secretary by 14 May 1858 Marvin, W. ([2418] p. 74 HC (1857-8) xix, 314).

82. COSTS OF CRIMINAL PROSECUTIONS 1858-9

Nine Commissioners were appointed in 1858 to inquire into a wide range of subjects relating to the costs of criminal prosecutions. (fn. 111) Their undated report ([2575] HC (1859 Sess. 2) xiii (pt. 1), 13) was presented to the House of Commons on 11 August 1859. (fn. 112) Upperton dissented from the report. (fn. 113)

The Commissioners were unsalaried. Their Secretary, appointed by the Commissioners, was awarded an allowance of £300 for his services. (fn. 114)

Commissioners 11 May 1858 Cardwell, E.; Miles, W.; Deedes, W.; Egerton, E. C.; Massey, W. N.; Walton, W. H.; Straight, R. M.; Upperton, R.; Tindal, A. (C 66/5001).

Secretary by 24 June 1858 Hemp, J. (HO 74/3 pp. 26-7).

83. MANNING THE NAVY 1858-9

Nine Commissioners were appointed in 1858 to inquire into the best means of manning the navy and especially as to the way in which seamen of the mercantile marine and the seafaring population of the United Kingdom might be made more readily and willingly available when required for naval service. (fn. 115) The number was reduced to eight in 1859 on the death of Shepherd. They reported on 19 February 1859 ([2469] HC (1859 Sess. 1) vi). Lindsay declined to sign the report and his remarks were appended to it. (fn. 116)

The Commissioners and their Secretary, who was already in receipt of a salary as Registrar of the Admiralty Court, served without remuneration. (fn. 117)

Commissioners 16 June 1858 Hardwicke, Earl of; Chandos, Marquess of; Cardwell, E.; Martin, W. F.; Dalrymple Horne Elphinstone, Sir J.; Shepherd, J.; Lindsay, W. S.; Shepherd, J. (fn. 118); Green, R. (C 66/5001).

Secretary 16 June 1858 Rothery, H. C. (ibid.).

84. POPULAR EDUCATION 1858-61

Seven Commissioners were appointed in 1858 to inquire into the state of popular education in England and to report what measures were required for the extension of sound and cheap elementary instruction to all classes of the people. (fn. 119) The Commissioners at once decided that they preferred a limited and cheap to a general and costly inquiry, and resolved that ten specimen districts be selected for examination by Assistant Commissioners. Two districts were selected to represent each of the five sectors of the economy, agricultural, manufacturing, mining, maritime and metropolitan, and two Assistant Commissioners were assigned to each of the sectors, and required to examine minutely the state of education in two sub-districts. (fn. 120) In February 1859 two additional Assistant Commissioners were appointed to conduct inquiries into the continental system of education. (fn. 121) The reports of the English Assistant Commissioners were completed by the autumn of 1859. One of them, Cumin, was then reappointed to investigate educational charities, on which he reported in July 1860. (fn. 122) The two Continental Assistant Commissioners, Pattison and Arnold, reported respectively in October 1859 and June 1860. The commission itself reported on 18 March 1861 and appended to its report the reports of all the Assistant Commissioners ([2794-I-VI] HC (1861) xxi, pts. 1-6).

The Commissioners were unsalaried. The Assistant Commissioners were paid salaries at the rate of £50 a month in addition to their actual travelling expenses and an allowance of 15s. a day for hotel expenses. (fn. 123) The commission appointed a Secretary at a salary of £600 and an Assistant Secretary at a salary of £250. (fn. 124)

Commissioners 30 June 1858 Newcastle, Duke of; Coleridge, Sir J. T.; Lake, W. C.; Rogers, W.; Smith, G.; Senior, N. W.; Miall, E. (C 66/5002).

85. METROPOLITAN TOLLS 1858-9

Four Commissioners were appointed in 1858 to inquire and report as to the best means of affording relief to the inhabitants of the metropolitan districts within six miles of Charing Cross by the abolition of turnpike gates and toll bars. (fn. 125) They reported on 12 July 1859 ([2552] HC (1859 Sess. 2) xi, 183).

The Commissioners were unsalaried. Their Secretary, appointed by the Commissioners, received an allowance of £300 for his services. (fn. 126)

Commissioners 2 July 1858 Eversley, Viscount; Coleridge, Sir J. T; Douglas Pennant, Hon. E. G.; Wrightson, W. B. (C 66/5002).

Secretary Kent, T. F. (fn. 127)

86. MILITIA 1858-9

Thirteen Commissioners were appointed in 1858 to inquire into the establishment, organisation, government and direction of the militia force of the United Kingdom and to report whether it might advantageously be employed in raising, passing and training recruits for the army. (fn. 128) The Duke of Richmond, although not named first in the commission, served as chairman. (fn. 129) The Commissioners reported on 17 June 1859 (fn. 130) ([2553] HC (1859 Sess. 2) ix, 1). Gilpin recorded a partial dissent. (fn. 131)

The Commissioners were unsalaried. Their Secretary, a War Office Clerk, appointed by the Commissioners, was awarded an allowance of £200 for his services. (fn. 132)

Commissioners 8 July 1858 Salisbury, Marquess of; Richmond, Duke of; Buclleuch, Duke of; Downshire, Marquess of; Palmerston, Viscount; Hardinge, Viscount; Methuen, Lord; Stovin, Sir F.; Douglas, R. P.; Pipon, J. K.; Wilson Patten, J.; Gilpin, R. T.; Adair, R. A. S. (London Gazette no. 22160).

Secretary Hannay, E. W. D. (fn. 133)

87. ARMY STORE AND CLOTHING DEPOTS 1858-9

Three Commissioners were appointed in 1858 to inquire into the state of the army store and clothing depots at Weedon, Woolwich and the Tower of London. (fn. 134) They reported on 29 July 1859 ([2577] HC (1859 Sess. 2) ix, 285).

Of the Commissioners, Turner, a member of the House of Commons, was unsalaried; Selfe, a barrister, who was always in the chair when evidence was taken, was remunerated at the rate of 5 guineas a day; French, an army officer, received from the War Office, the staff pay, allowances and perquisites which he would have received as a serving officer. (fn. 135) The Secretary, appointed by the Commissioners, was awarded an allowance of £300 for his services. (fn. 136)

Commissioners 14 July 1858 Turner, J.A.; French, H.J.; Selfe, H. J. S. (London Gazette no. 22162).

Secretary Dew, E. L. (fn. 137)

88. HARBOURS OF REFUGE 1858-9

Seven Commissioners were appointed in 1858 to complete the inquiry into harbours of refuge in the United Kingdom in the terms recommended in the report of a select committee of the House of Commons, dated 17 June 1858. (fn. 138) Having visited and taken evidence at the proposed sites of harbours of refuge, they reported on 3 March 1859 ([2474] HC (1859 Sess. 1) x (pt. i), 1). A supplementary report was issued on 15 April 1859 ([2506-1] p. xxxix HC (1859 Sess. 1) x (pt. i), 49). (fn. 139) Although concurring in the substance of this latter report, Hope was unable to sign it as he had left England to assume the naval command on the East India and China stations. (fn. 140)

The Commissioners were unsalaried. They were authorised to appoint a Secretary. During their first day's investigation at Wick, on 26 August 1858, E. K. Calver acted as Secretary; during investigations at Wick, Fraserburgh, Peterhead, Aberdeen, Dundee, Leith and Glasgow, 27 August to 6 September 1858, a Mr. Sewell served as Secretary. (fn. 141) From 7 September, F.J. O. Evans, the Superintendent of the Compass Department of the Navy, took over as Secretary and remained throughout the commission's existence. He has therefore been regarded as the commission's only official and permanent Secretary. There is no evidence that he was awarded a salary.

Commissioners 14 Aug. 1858 Hope, J.; Smith, Sir J. M. F.; Lindsay, W. S.; Washington, J.; Sulivan, B.J.; Vetch, J.; Coode, J. (C 66/5002).

Secretary 7 Sept. 1858 Evans, F. J. O. ([2506-1] p. 267 HC (1859 Sess. 1) x (pt. i), 375).

89. LIGHTS,BUOYS AND BEACONS 1858-61

Five Commissioners were appointed in 1858 to inquire into the condition and management of lights, buoys and beacons on the cost of the United Kingdom and its colonial possessions as compared with those on the coasts of foreign countries. (fn. 142) They reported on 5 March 1861 ([2793] HC (1861) xxv).

The Commissioners were unsalaried. Their Secretary, appointed by the Commissioners, was awarded a salary of £600. (fn. 143)

Commissioners 8 Dec. 1858 Baillie Hamilton, W. A.; Ryder, A. P.; Gladstone, J. H.; Dunbar, D.; Graves, S. R. (HO 38/57 pp. 393-7).

Secretary by 15 Jan. 1859 Campbell, J. F. (T 27/150 p. 186).

90. RECRUITING THE ARMY 1859-60

Seven Commissioners were appointed in 1859 to inquire into the system of recruiting the army in the United Kingdom with the view of suggesting such changes in the organisation of the Recruiting Department as might tend to facilitate the raising of men in a more expeditious and economical manner and to prevent desertion. (fn. 144) They reported on 30 June 1860 ([2762] HC (1861) xv).

The Commissioners were unsalaried. Their Secretary, named in the commission, was awarded a salary of £300. (fn. 145)

Commissioners 23 March 1859 Hotham, Lord; Tulloch, Sir A. M.; Forster, Sir W. F.; Russell, D.; Leslie, J. T.; Smyth, J. G.; Blackburn, P. (London Gazette no. 22245).

Secretary 23 March 1859 Milton, J. (ibid.).

91. CONCENTRATION OF LAW COURTS 1859-60

Six Commissioners were appointed in 1859 to inquire into the expediency of bringing together into one place all the superior courts of law and equity, the probate and divorce courts and the admiralty court; and into the means for providing a site and for erecting suitable buildings. (fn. 146) They reported on 3 July 1860 ([2710] HC (1860) xxxi, 89). Wynford did not sign the report.

The Commissioners were unsalaried. Their Secretary, appointed by the Commissioners, received an allowance of £500 for his services. (fn. 147)

Commissioners 21 April 1859 Coleridge, Sir J. T.; Wood, Sir W. P.; Lewis, Sir G. C.; Wynford, Lord; Phillimore, R. J.; Young, J. (C 66/5004).

Secretary by 24 May 1859 Patteson, J. H. (HO 36/32 p. 457).

92. CHANCERY EVIDENCE 1859-60.

Fifteen Commissioners were appointed in August 1859 to inquire into the method of taking evidence in the court of chancery and into its effects. (fn. 148) The number of Commissioners was increased to seventeen in October 1859. (fn. 149) Their undated report ([2698] HC (1860) xxxi, 279) was received in chancery on 28 June 1860. (fn. 150) St. Leonards did not sign the report and produced a separate report. (fn. 151)

The Commissioners were unsalaried. Their Secretary, named in the commission, was awarded an allowance of £300 for his services. (fn. 152)

Commissioners 18 Aug. 1859 Campbell, Lord; Lyndhurst, Lord; Cranworth, Lord; Wensleydale, Lord; Chelmsford, Lord; Kingsdown, Lord; Romilly, Sir J.; Knight Bruce, Sir J. L.; Turner, Sir G.J.; Wood, Sir W. P.; Bethell, Sir R.; Cairns, Sir H. McC.; Giffard, G. M.; Cookson, W. S.; Gibson, G. T. (C 66/5005).

13 Oct. 1859 Brougham and Vaux, Lord; St. Leonards, Lord (C 66/5006).

Secretary 18 Aug. 1859 Edwards, N. F. (C 66/5005).

93. DEFENCES 1859-60

Seven Commissioners were appointed in 1859 to inquire into the state and sufficiency of the fortifications existing and being constructed for the defence of the United Kingdom in case of foreign attack by sea or land. (fn. 153) They were especially required to consider the protection of dockyards and arsenals which they were instructed to visit and inspect. (fn. 154) They reported on 7 February 1860 ([2682] HC (1860) xxiii, 431).

The Commissioners and their Secretary, a serving army officer, who was named in the commission, were unsalaried.

Commissioners 20 Aug. 1859 Jones, Sir H. D.; Cameron, D. A.; Elliot, Hon. G.; Abbott, Sir F.; Key, A. C.; Lefroy, J. H.; Fergusson, J. (London Gazette no. 22301).

Secretary 20 Aug. 1859 Jervois, W. F. D. (ibid.).

94. GREENWICH HOSPITAL 1859-60

Three Commissioners were appointed in 1859 to inquire into the management of Greenwich Hospital and of the funds by which it was maintained. (fn. 155) Although not named first in the commission, Hutt acted as chairman. (fn. 156) The Commissioners reported on 4 May 1860 ([2670] HC (1860) xxx, 1).

The Commissioners were unsalaried. Their Secretary, appointed by the Commissioners, was awarded an allowance of £300 for his services. (fn. 157)

Commissioners 1 Nov. 1859 Ingham, R.; Hutt, W.; Dalrymple Hay, J. C. (C 66/5006).

Secretary by 17 Nov. 1859 Butler, S. P. (T 27/151 p. 202).