SMALL DEBTS (NO. 3) BILL.

HC Deb 29 July 1845 vol 82 cc1193-4

On the Question, that the Small Debts Bill (No. 3) be read a third time,

Mr. H. Berkeley

said, he would be sorry to cause any impediment to the passing of this Bill; inasmuch as he admitted that it contained a great deal of good. He thought that much evil would be inflicted on the people by the exercise of that power given to the Secretary of State by the 8th Clause. The Secretary of State was by this clause empowered to extend or diminish the jurisdiction of the courts, so as to equalize them all. He hoped that the right hon. Baronet would be induced to alter it.

Sir J. Graham

could hold out no hope of the kind; for he considered the clause to be highly necessary to give effect to the principle of the Bill.

Bill read a third time and passed.