§ LORD JOHN RUSSELLmoved for leave to bring in a Bill to regulate the salaries of the Chief Justices of the Court of Queen's Bench, and the Chief Justices of the Court of Common Pleas.
§ MR. HUMEwillingly gave his approval of the general purpose of the Bill; but he would beg to point out to the noble Lord at the head of the Government the necessity of introducing sundry improvements with respect to the suitors' fund. It appeared to him that it was highly desirable that a printed account of the out-goings and in-comings of that fund should be laid every year upon the table of the House. All taxes upon law proceedings were contrary to justice and sound policy, and they ought to be avoided as much as possible.
§ LORD JOHN RUSSELLexplained, that the chief object of the present Bill was to diminish the amount paid out of the Consolidated Fund. He concurred with the hon. Member (Mr. Hume) in thinking that it was desirable to reduce, to as low a point as possible, the taxes upon law proceedings; and he had much satisfaction in informing the hon. Gentleman that the present Lord Chancellor had already reduced the fees of the Court of Chancery by no less a sum than 22,000l. He would take into consideration the suggestion of the hon. Member with respect to the suitors' fund.
§ Leave given.
§ Bill ordered to be brought in by Lord John Russell, Mr. Attorney General, and Mr. Solicitor General.