§ MR. FORSYTHasked Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, Whether, con- 462 sidering the many tentative attempts which have from time to time been made in that direction, and which have hitherto remained without practical result, it is the intention of the Government to take any steps, and if so, what steps, towards the formation of a code or digest of the Civil and Criminal Law of England, or either of them, or any part thereof?
THE ATTORNEY GENERALSir, I am desired to reply to the Question of the hon. and learned Gentleman. It is difficult to exaggerate the importance of the subject alluded to in this Question. In my mind nothing is more desirable than a codification, or, at all events, a consolidation of the law of England, and especially it is desirable to codify or consolidate that portion of the law which relates to crimes and offences and criminal procedure. The subject is, however, one of great difficulty. It is now undergoing very careful consideration by the Lord Chancellor and the Law Officers of the Crown, in conjunction with the Statute Law Revision Committee.