§ Sir James Scarlettmoved the second reading of the Judgment and Execution Bill, on which—
§ Mr. O'Connellsaid, that as it was past twelve o'clock, and as there was a whole handful of legal bills to be forwarded, he should move that the second reading of the Bill should be postponed till to-morrow.
§ Sir C. Wetherellseconded the Amendment.
The Attorney Generalhoped, that the hon. and learned Member would not delay, by any unnecessary opposition, the business of the House. The Bill was founded on the Report of the Law Commissioners, and ought to be passed.
Mr. Campbellthought it would be desireable at that late hour to postpone the discussion. The Bills were of consequence; they made considerable alteration in the law, and could not be passed as a matter of course.
§ Sir James Scarlettthought it was highly wrong for one or two individuals to stop the business of the House. The measure was of importance, and if passed before next Term would remedy a serious inconvenience.
§ Lord Althorphoped, that the hon. and learned Member would not persist in his Motion, as it would occasion great public inconvenience.
Mr. Cutlar Fergusonsaid, the Bill was 1108 before the House last year. He understood that there was no objection to it, and therefore he hoped that the opposition to its going through a stage then would be withdrawn.
§ The House divided—For the Adjournment 1; Against it 41—Majority 40.
§ On the main question being put,
§ Mr. O'Connellmoved the Adjournment of the House.
§ Sir J. Scarlettopposed it, as contrary to the dignity and consequence of the House to allow itself to be defeated by one individual.
§ Lord Althorprecommended the hon. and learned Gentleman to postpone the Bill.
§ Sir James Scarlettconsented.
§ Mr. Ruthvensaid, it ought not to be forced on at that hour.
§ Sir J. Scarlettexplained, that he did not want to force it on.
§ Bill ordered to be read a second time the next day.