Mr. Humegave notice, that upon the second Thursday in February, he should move for the appointment of a Select Committee to inquire respecting the patents granted to the King's Printers in England and Scotland.
§ Lord Althorpinquired, why his hon. friend did not include the King's Printer in Ireland, in the motion of which he had given notice?
Mr. Humehad given his Majesty's Government the credit of having abolished that office. He would willingly adopt the suggestion, and include it in his Motion. He wished to know from the noble Lord, whether it was a fact, that if the patent to the King's Printer were not challenged up to the 1st of January next, it would then be a good and valid one? It lay at present in some office in the Adelphi, open to public inspection; but he understood, that if no objection was made to it before the 1st of January, it would then be valid.
§ Lord Althorpdid not possess any knowledge with regard to the point of law which the hon. Member had mooted, but he would make an inquiry upon the subject.