§ MR. PAULLsaid, he would beg to ask Mr. Attorney General, Whether it is the intention of Her Majesty's Government, at the earliest possible period, to submit to Parliament a measure for the Amendment and consolidation of the Bankruptcy Laws; and, if so, whether such measure will provide for the abolition of the power of imprisonment of debtors, to compel the payment of money under any judgment or order of any Court, including Comity Courts and other Courts for the recovery of small debts?
THE ATTORNEY GENERALsaid, in reply, that it undoubtedly was the intention of Her Majesty's Government, at the earliest period at which it could possibly be done consistent with the due attention which so important a subject do-served, to submit a measure for the Amendment and consolidation of the Bankruptcy Laws. As he had previously stated, it was not likely that this would be done this Session. With regard to the question whether such a measure would provide for the abolition of the power of imprisonment of debtors, and compel the payment of money tinder any judgment or order of any Court, the hon. Member was aware that the Committee had recommended generally the total abolition of the power of imprisonment for debt. That subject would therefore he considered by the Government with all the authority which the recommendations of the Committee could give it, but it was not in his power to anticipate the final decision of the Government any more on that than on the other recommendations of the Committee. He had no reason to doubt that there would be a desire to give effect to the recommendations of the Committee, provided no difficulties should arise to prevent those recommendations from being carried out.
MR. HEYGATEsaid, he would beg to ask the hon. Member for St. Ives whether lie intends under these circumstances to proceed with his Insolvent Debtors Bill?
§ MR. PAULLsaid, that after the answer given by the hon. and learned Gentleman he should take immediate steps to discharge the Order.