§ MR. W. LOWTHERasked Mr. Attorney General, Whether the New Rules of Procedure, framed by a Committee of Her Majesty's Judges, and now lying upon the Table of the House, have been 35 printed; if so, when they will be in the hands of Members, and, whether any Copies of the Rules will be obtainable by members of the legal profession other than honourable and learned Members?
§ THE ATTORNEY GENERAL (Sir HENRY JAMES), in reply, said, that the course which had been taken in connection with the New Rules was to direct that about 8,000 copies of them should be printed. It was not thought necessary, as they formed a very bulky volume, to distribute copies to every hon. Member of the House; but everyone who so desired would be supplied with a copy on application. He believed they would be ready on Monday afternoon, and distributed on Tuesday morning. After supplying the requisite number of copies to those interested—namely, Members of both Houses and the official Members—the remainder would be placed at the disposal of the law booksellers, for sale to the public.
§ SIR HARDINGE GIFFARDasked Mr. Attorney General, whether he was aware that this bulky volume would become law, after it had been laid on the Table of the House for 40 days?
§ THE ATTORNEY GENERAL (Sir HENRY JAMES)I do not know why my hon. and learned Friend asks me this Question. Of course, I know that it will then become law; but I do not think that the fact of the volume being bulky makes any difference in that respect.
§ SIR HARDINGE GIFFARDIn consequence of the Attorney General's answer, I will, on Monday, ask the Primo Minister, whether he will give us an opportunity to prevent this bulky volume from becoming law without discussion?