§ Mr. John Campbellsaid, he wished to put a question to his Majesty's Ministers, on a subject which, though of great public importance, was not likely to lead to any discussion. He alluded to the meditated reforms in the Court of Chancery. They had been taught to expect, that at an early day a bill would be introduced, either in that or in the other House of Parliament, for the 467 purpose of effecting certain reforms in the Court of Chancery. The session was now rapidly wearing away, and he would ask, what hope was there that such a measure would be brought forward before its close. There was another subject, he meant the settlement of the salary of the Lord Chancellor—on which also he should like to receive some information. A bill had been passed last Session, which deprived the Lord Chancellor of a considerable portion of his salary, and he was anxious to learn what steps, if any, had been taken to make up for this deficiency.
§ Lord Althorpsaid, that with respect to the first point, a learned Gentleman had undertaken to draw up a bill for the purpose of effecting the reforms alluded to; and with reference to the second, he would himself introduce a measure to the House.
§ Sir Charles Wetherellhoped that, in making any alterations in the Court of Chancery, grave consideration would be given to the subject, which its immense importance demanded.
§ Mr. Spencesaid, he could positively state, that there were bills, connected with reform in the Court of Chancery, at present under the consideration of the Lord Chancellor; and a promise had been made, through himself, by the authority of the Lord Chancellor, that a bill should speedily be introduced, to reform one branch of the Court of Chancery, which more particularly required Reform—he meant the Master's Office. That bill was prepared to be laid before Parliament at the time originally proposed, before the recess; but the Lord Chancellor, on consideration, thought it better that one general measure should be introduced, embracing the Six Clerks' Office, the Registrar's Office, the Subpœna Office, and indeed all the offices connected with Chancery. A bill for that purpose had been prepared; but he was not authorized to say precisely when it would be laid before Parliament. He was, however, quite certain that it would be brought forward as soon as the subject had received that grave consideration which his hon. and learned friend opposite thought that it deserved. There was also another bill at present under the consideration of the Lord Chancellor, the object of which was to shorten pleadings in the Court of Chancery. From such a measure he anticipated the best effects. That bill would 468 be laid on the Table soon after the Whitsun recess, and the other would be brought in in the course of the present Session.