§ Sir George Clerkmoved for leave to bring in a bill to continue an act for exempting certain bills of exchange and promissory notes from the operation of the laws relating to usury.
§ Mr. W. Williamstrusted that before any attempt was made to proceed with this bill, that the Chancellor of the Exchequer would consent to the appointment of a select committee to inquire into the operation of the present act. Many representations of the most serious nature had been made to him with respect to the previous operation of the act.
§ Sir George Clerkobserved that they only intended by the present bill to renew the present act for two years, the period 1307 for which it had been renewed from time to time since its introduction in 1834. Of course, if the hon. Member thought it necessary, he might at a future time move for a committee to inquire into the operation of the law.
§ Mr. B. Woodtrusted his hon. Friend would not oppose the introduction of the bill. So far from its being of an injurious character, he had heard that the most beneficial results had flowed from the alteration of the old usury laws by the present act.
§ Motion agreed to.
§ House adjourned at a quarter to two o'clock.