HC Deb 18 February 1853 vol 124 cc333-4

Order for Second Reading read.

Motion made, and Question proposed, "That the Bill be now read a Second Time."

MR. MULLINGS

said, that as a determined enemy of jobbing, he would move as an Amendment, "That the Bill be read a second time that day six months," un less the hon. and learned Solicitor General gave a satisfactory explanation of a measure which seemed framed on a very extraordinary principle.

Amendment proposed, to leave out the word "now," and at the end of the Question to add the words "upon this day six months."

Question proposed, "That the word 'now' stand part of the Question."

The SOLICITOR GENERAL

said, this Bill had been introduced simply to remedy an inadvertent omission in a previous Act, and there was not the least ground for the suspicion that any sort of job was contemplated.

MR. WALPOLE

said, he quite concurred in the statement of the hon. and learned Solicitor General. When the Act of last Session was passed, it was considered advisable, in making the requisite reforms in the Court of Chancery, that if the duties of any officer should be altered, that officer should be at liberty to retire with a pension, to be regulated by the Lord Chancellor. The question was raised whether the examiners should not, like the other officers of the Court, be at liberty to retire; and he (Mr. Walpole) thought it reasonable that they should have that option. Perhaps, however, it might be desirable to read over the wording of this Bill more carefully in Committee.

MR. MULLINGS

said, he would withdraw his Amendment.

Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.

Main Question put, and agreed to.

Bill read 2°