§ Mr. J. Smithrose to present a petition on the subject of the law of Merchant and Factor. The petition was signed by the whole of the principal merchants of London, except one, who refused to sign it, because he was unwilling to sign a petition to the House on any subject. The petitioners complained of the Operation or certain laws relating to merchant and factor, which they described as most injurious to the general interests of the commerce of this country. It had fallen to him, sometime since, to introduce a bill on this subject; but, from circumstances which occurred in another House, his object was defeated. Another measure was then introduced, applying to the same question; but it was imperfect, and wholly inefficient to remedy the evil.
§ Mr. Serjeant Onslowthought the country was indebted to the hon. member for calling the attention of the House to this important subject.
§ Mr. T. Wilsonsaid, the subject was most important to the commerce of the 1015 country. The petition was that of the merchants of London; but it represented the opinions of the merchants of every town in England.
§ Mr. Huskissonsaid, he was not at all indifferent to its importance, and if any measure should be introduced respecting it, he was disposed to give it his best consideration.
§ Mr. Scarletthoped, that if any measure should be introduced, it would be so intelligible as to be understood by all. For his own part, he did not understand the bill of last year. He would not object to any measure which might be for the general benefit of the commercial body; but he hoped that it would not embrace that objectionable clause, which took the entire control of a man's property from him, and gave to another the power of raising money on it.
Ordered to lie on the table.