The Sun.
London, England, 1863-05-12 00:00:00

SECOND READING.

The Blackburn, Chorley, and Wigan Railway Bill was
read a second time.
ROYAL COMMISSION.

The Usher of the Black Rod appeared at the bar and
summoned the Speaker and the house to hear the Royal
assent given, by commission, to several bills, The Speaker
returned at 20 minutes past 4 o'clock.

THE COTTON DISTRICTS.
Mr. FERRAND gave notice that on this day week he
should ask the President of the Poor Law Board if
the report which he promised three weeks ago from
the engineers who had been sent down to the cotton
districts had been received, and if so whether he had any
objection to lay it on the table of this house.

ELECTION PETITIONS.
Mr. HUNT gave notice that on Thursday he should
move for leave to bring in a bill to amend the law with
respect to election petitions.
IRISH FISHERIES.

Sir R. PEEL gave notice that on Friday he should move
for leave to introduce a bill to amend the laws relating to
fisheries in Ireland.

CIRCUITS.

Mr. HADFIELD asked the Attorney-General whether
the Government intended to make any and what alteration
in the existing circuit arrangements; and whether such
arrangements would be completed before the next sum-
mer assizes, and would include a winter circuit, and in
what places ?
The ATTORNEY-GENERAL replied that the subject
had been for some time under the consideration of the Go-
vernment, and that some alteration would shortly take place
could not be doubted. Various projects had been under their
consideration, and within the last few days a written state-
ment containing several suggestions had been received by
the Lord Chancellor, from the Lord Chief Justice of
the Queen's Bench. These suggestions would, of course,
receive the attention which they deserved ; but he feared
that there could be no possibility of carrying out any pro-
posed alterations in time for the summer assizes.
VOLUNTEERS AND COURTS-MARTIAL.
Sir W. SCOTT asked the Under Secretary of State for
War whether the act 44 Geo. 111., c. 54, or any regulations
for the conduct of the volunteer force, framed under the
provisions of thator any other act relating thereto, rendered
volunteers amenable to a military court of inquiry, or to
military law, when they were not under arms, on duty, or
in the uniform and accoutrements of the corps ?
Lard HARTINGTON replied that no volunteers, except
members of the permanent staff, were amenable to military
law, and then only when called out and in actual service.
A volunteer committee could be summoned, to be named
by the commanding officer or the Lord Lieutenant of the
county,

POWDER 1N EDINBURGH CASTLE.
Mr. BLACK asked the Under Secretary of State for
War what had been the average quantity of gunpowder
kept in the Castle of Edinburgh during the last twelve
months, distinguishing the various forms in which it had
been made up, and whether the quantity would not be
diminished; and, whether there would be any objection to
furnish copies of any reports which might have been made
on the subject of this magazine by officers of the Royal
Engineers during the last four years ?
Lord HABTINGTON cited the quantity of powder in
the magazine 12 months ago, and said the quantity there
now amounted to 250 barrels, which it would be probably
satisfactory to the hon. gentleman to learn would constitute
the maximum amount.