HC Deb 06 April 1870 vol 200 c1423

(Mr. Rathbone, Mr. George Gregory, Mr. Morley, Mr. Goldney.)

COMMITTEE. [Progress 31st March.]

Bill considered in Committee.

(In the Committee.)

Clause 7 (Saving of liens).

SIR JOHN TRELAWNY

said, he had received communications from eminent lawyers, one of whom was a Judge of great experience, in support of the opinion he had expressed on a former occasion as to the undue advantage which the possession of a client's title deeds and papers gave to an attorney in enforcing payment of doubtful charges.

MR. G. B. GREGORY

pointed out that the client had a very easy method of displacing his solicitor's lien.

MR. M. CHAMBERS

said, that although he objected to the innovations contemplated in the Bill with regard to the relations between attorneys and their clients, he thought it would be better if the Committee approved of an agreement between the parties, with power to make a special or general agreement as to a lien upon deeds.

THE SOLICITOR GENERAL

said, he would suggest that as the clause in its present shape was not one that ought to pass, it should now be negatived in order that another clause, which would require very careful wording, might be brought up at a later stage.

Clause negatived.

Clauses 8 and 9 agreed to.

Clause 10 (Improper agreements may be set aside).

Various alterations were introduced.

Sir ROUNDELL PALMER

moved several Amendments to the clause; and it being a quarter to Six of the clock,

House resumed.

Committee report Progress; to sit again upon Friday.