§ MR. BOWYERsaid, he wished to ask the noble Lord (Lord John Russell) whether the Statute Law Consolidation Commission was to cease; and, if so, whether the consolidation of the Statutes was to be given up, or any other, and what measures were to be taken to effect the purpose for which the Commission was appointed.
§ LORD JOHN RUSSELLsaid, the state of the case was this:—The Lord Chancellor had appointed a Commission, which expired on the 31st of March—a temporary Commission—with a view to consider how far the consolidation of the Statutes was practicable, and in what manner, if practicable, it should be effected. The Commission so appointed terminated on the 31st of March, and their labours had been placed in the hands of the Lord Chancellor, in order that he might see how far they would form a foundation for the consolidation of the Statutes. If the Lord Chancellor should be satisfied from this examination that there were grounds on which the foundation could be placed, a Commission would be appointed for a term of years for that important purpose. If there did not appear adequate grounds, the Lord Chancellor and the Government would then consider what other course should be adopted on the subject.