§ MR. CHILDERSwished to make an appeal to the House and the Chancellor of the Exchequer about this measure. Its passing this Session was of great importance, as it would result in the saving of several thousands a-year. But several clauses were most objectionable. What he asked was, that the Chancellor of the Exchequer should 986 withdraw the most objectionable clauses, and then that the Bill should be passed this afternoon, so as to receive the concurrence of the House of Lords.
§ MR. GREGORYasked, Whether the Government intended to proceed with the Supreme Court of Judicature Acts Amendment Bill?
§ THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUERsaid, it would be hopeless to proceed with that Bill. There was no doubt that the Supreme Court of Judicature (Officers) Bill was a measure of great importance, being the outcome of two Select Committees and a Royal Commission, and that it involved a considerable economy. In order, therefore, to insure its passing, he was prepared to accept the suggestion of the right hon. Gentleman, and omit from the Bill the clauses which made officers of the Supreme Court permanent Civil servants, and gave the Lord Chancellor the power to award pensions. He should move that all the Orders after the Bill should be postponed, thus taking the Supreme Court of Judicature (Officers) Bill before the Afghan debate, so that the Bill might be sent up in time to the Lords.