HC Deb 19 June 1893 vol 13 c1421

Order for Second Reading read.

Objection taken.

THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. ASQUITH,) Fife, E.

I hope the opposition to this Bill will not be maintained. The Bill came down from the House of Lords. It has the assent of the Appeal Committee, and is not a Party matter. The object is to prevent vexatious appeals. Paupers are now allowed to prosecute appeals to the House of Lords on a certificate from two barristers that there is good ground for the appeal. The consequence is that many persons who are successful in the inferior Courts are subjected to vexatious litigation without any primâ facie ease. This Bill will enable the House of Lords to refuse to entertain such cases if the Committee of Appeals report that there is no primâ facie case.

Mr. T. M. HEALY

Does it apply to Irish appeals?

MR. ASQUITH

Yes, to all appeals.

Motion made, and Question proposed, "That the Bill be now read a second time."

Question put, and agreed to.

Bill read a second time, and committed for To-morrow.