HC Deb 09 June 1819 vol 40 cc998-9
Lord Althorp

stated, that as the discussion on the usury laws was fixed for a near day, he wished, though friendly to the measure, that it should be postponed, on the ground, that it was impossible for a certain time, under recent measures, to calculate what the value of the currency, or what the rate of interest might be.

Mr. Serjeant Onslow

said, that when he introduced the bill, he was aware of the difficulty of carrying the measure into effect under the present circumstances of our currency. He, however, had no option as to the time of bringing it forward; because as chairman of the committee, he had been instructed to do so. As to the principle of the measure, the more he considered the objections urged against it, the more strongly was he convinced that it must ultimately triumph. At the same time, on account of the present uncertain value of money, and the change about to take place in the circulation of the country, he admitted the propriety of postponing the measure.

The order was then discharged.