§ Amendments reported.
§ LORD BROUGHAM moved that the Bill 634 be recommitted, and described certain amendments which he had to propose. The first amendment remedied a defect which had been pointed out in the clauses respecting attorneys and attorneys' clerks, and their powers to practise in these courts. The second referred to the salaries of the Judges of County Courts. At present, in numerous cases, in consequence of the increase of business caused by recent legislation, the salaries of these Judges were far too low.
§ LORD BEAUMONTwished to know when the Bill was to be discussed. Certain clauses had been delivered to their Lordships only that morning, and the effect of those clauses had not been explained by the noble and learned Lord. He (Lord Beaumont) thought the Bill ought to be recommitted for the purpose of further discussion. He found it difficult to reconcile himself to the reconciliation clauses. He did not approve of the provision in the Bill, which enabled litigants, instead of employing counsel, to go to the County Court, and get the opinion of the Judge; and he thought at any rate that no harm would be done if barristers were allowed to state the cases. If the noble Lord would consent to recommit the Bill, the amendments might be considered seriatim.
LORD BROUGHAMsaid that he had no objection to adopt the course suggested by the noble Lord. As he would have another opportunity of addressing their Lordships, he would not follow the noble Lord (Beaumont) through the various errors into which he had fallen with respect to reconcilements.
§ Further Amendments made: Bill re-committed.
§ House adjourned till To-morrow.