MR. M. T. BASSasked Mr. Attorney General, Whether the Debtors Act (1869) Amendment Bill will be proceeded with this Session; and, if so, whether the Government will propose, or accept, if proposed, the insertion of a Clause in such Bill abolishing imprisonment for debt?
§ THE ATTORNEY GENERAL (Sir JONN HOLKER)The question of whether the Bill will be proceeded with this Session will depend on whether the Bankruptcy Law Amendment Bill can be passed through the House. At present, the prospect of making progress with these measures seems somewhat remote. I am not in a position to say whether the Government would consent 1720 to repeal section 5 of the Debtors Act, 1869, which I presume is what is meant by the expression in the Question "abolishing imprisonment for debt." A proposition to repeal this section would, however, in my view, be well worthy of careful consideration; and, I have no doubt, would receive such consideration from the Government.