HC Deb 08 December 1813 vol 27 cc266-7

On the third reading of this Bill,

Sir S. Romilly

moved, as an amendment, to leave out two words in the Bill. As it at present stood, the debtor was required to make oath as follows:—"At the time of passing this Act I was in custody, and have ever since my commitment been a close prisoner." He proposed to leave out the words "my commitment," which would deprive the prisoner of the benefit of the Act, if at any time since his being first committed to prison, he had either escaped from prison, or had his liberty allowed him, though it might have been ten years ago.

After some conversation between Mr. Kenrick, Mr. Lockhart, and Mr. Serjeant Onslow, the Bill passed with the amendment.