HC Deb 12 March 1852 vol 119 cc983-4

Order for Committee read; House in Committee.

MR. G. A. HAMILTON

said, that this was a Bill introduced by the right hon. Gentleman the Member for Herefordshire (Mr. C. Lewis), and as it appeared to be a useful measure, Government did not oppose it.

Clauses 1 to 4 agreed to.

Clause 5.

MR. CHISHOLM ANSTEY

said, this Clause, in conjunction with the one that followed, gave power to the Commissioners of the Treasury to make regulations and pay money out of the Consolidated Fund to parties who had established claims in certain cases against the Crown. He thought, however, that these Clauses would prejudice the right which persons had at present of proceeding in a Court of Law against the Treasury or the Crown, in matters to which the Bill referred. It proposed to refer claims to escheated property to Commissioners; but he thought persons ought still to retain the right of bringing such claims before a Court of Law.

The ATTORNEY GENERAL

apprehended there was nothing in the Bill which would interfere with the rights of persons who had such claims. In the 6th clause it was provided that any person who proved his claim should be paid the amount out of the Consolidated Fund. The Clause would not interfere in any way with his right to bring an action.

SIR CHARLES WOOD

said, he agreed with the hon. and learned Attorney General, that there was nothing in the Bill to affect the legal rights of parties.

MR. WALPOLE

said, if the hon. and learned Member for Youghal (Mr. C. Anstey) would move a proviso on the bringing up the Report he would give it his consideration.

Clause agreed to; as were the remaining Clauses.

House resumed.

The House adjourned at half after seven o'clock till Monday next.