§ Mr. Lockhartbrought in a bill to amend such part of the bankrupt laws as related to granting the bankrupts certificate. As the object of the bill went to introduce a new principle, he wished it to lie over a long time for consideration; and, therefore, should not propose the second reading till the 1st of May. The object was, to impose a duty on the commissioners to examine into the conduct of the bankrupt, so that the lord chancellor might be enabled to exercise a proper discretion in granting his certificate.
§ Mr. Wrottesleyconceived the bill unnecessary. As the law now stood, the commissioners had one jurisdiction, the creditors another, and the lord chancellor a third; and, therefore, although the creditors should sign the certificate, the commissioners might withhold their signatures, and, finally, the lord chancellor might refuse to put the great seal to it.
§ The bill was ordered to be read a second time on the 1st of May.