§ MR. E. P. BOUVERIEsaid, he wished to ask for leave to introduce a Bill to prohibit the issue of writs for actions of debt in the superior courts for sums of less than £20. Practically, a large majority of the cases in which writs were issued did not come to trial, and an enormous number were for very small sums, of £2, £3, and £4, where the costs were at least equal the sum sought to be recovered. He proposed by this Bill to meet that great grievance, leaving the law as it stood at present in regard to actions for damages and other matters. He proposed to fix the second reading for a not very early day, and would undertake to shape the Bill according to any suggestions of the legal authorities of the Government, if they accepted the principle.
THE SOLICITOR GENERALsaid, he was willing to assent to the introduction of the Bill, which was undoubtedly one of great importance. The hon. Gentleman had stated that he would accede to any suggestion that might be made, in case it should appear to them that there was no objection to the principle of the Bill.
§ Motion agreed to.
§ Bill to prohibit the issue of Writs for Actions of Debt in the Superior Courts for sums of less than Twenty Pounds, ordered to be brought in by Mr. EDWARD PLEYDELL BOUYERIE and Mr. HAHD-CASTLE.