§ Lord J. Russellbrought up the report of the Commissioners appointed to inquire into the state of Public Charities.
§ Mr. Humehoped, that after 200,000l. had been expended in this inquiry, the Government would now proceed to introduce a Bill for the purpose of carrying the recommendations of the Commissioners into effect. He desired to know from the noble Lord if they entertained such an intention?
§ Lord J. Russellreplied, that after the attention bestowed upon the subject by Lord Brougham, it was intended to leave the matter in his hands. Her Majesty's Government certainly wished to see the recommendations of the Commissioners accomplished.
§ Sir E. Sugdensaid, that he observed we were to have a new tribunal to decide on election petitions, that recently a new tribunal had been established to take cognizance of affairs in bankruptcy, and that now a third was to be created, having jurisdiction over charities. He decidedly objected to the ancient courts of the country being cut up into so many subdivisions. It was his opinion, that the want of general practice would in a great 355 degree disqualify judges from that discharge of their duties which was now so beneficial to the public.
§ Lord J. Russellhoped, that the hon. and learned Gentleman would give a patient and attentive consideration to the recommendations of the Commissioners before he decided against them.
§ Sir E. Sugdenreplied, that he had given the subject a great deal of attention, and the reason of his making this remark, with which he had ventured to trouble the House, was to account for his name not having been signed to the report.
§ Report laid on the table.