§ Order for Third Reading read.
§ Bill read 3o.
§ MR. WHITESIDEwas about to move the insertion of some new clauses, when
The ATTORNEY GENERALexpressed a hope that they would be postponed; as they had only been printed that day, and he had not had time to look at them. Besides, clauses more likely to carry out the views of the hon. and learned Gentleman had just been introduced into a Bill in another place.
§ MR. WHITESIDEsaid, he wished the House to understand that this was a measure of law reform, and that Her Majesty's Attorney General was now objecting to clauses which had been unanimously approved of by the profession.
The ATTORNEY GENERALsaid, it was all very well for the hon. and learned Gentleman to assume a tone of indignation mixed with that asperity which he always introduced on every subject. He did not think the position of the hon. and learned Gentleman, high as it undoubtedly was in point of talent, authorised him in assuming that tone towards those who, if not his equals in point of ability, were at least his equals in the manner in which they conducted the business of that House. He did not wish to throw any obstacles in the way of the hon. and learned Gentleman; but if he supposed these clauses had received the universal assent of the profession he was greatly mistaken. Those who had seen his clauses, and the clauses introduced into the Bill in the other House, were of opinion that the latter clauses went much further, and would be more effectual, than those of the hon. and learned Gentleman. All he wanted was an opportunity of considering them.
§ MR. NAPIERsaid, several of the clauses of his hon. and learned Friend had been discussed in Committee.
§ MR. WHITESIDEsaid, there was not an equity clause on the paper.
§ MR. BOUVERIEsuggested that the better course would be to postpone the clauses till to-morrow.
§ Further proceeding on Third Reading adjourned till To-morrow.