HC Deb 26 March 1897 vol 47 c1440
SIR E. ASHMEAD-BARTLETT

I beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury whether, as a memorial of Her Majesty's Great Jubilee, the Government will appoint a Commission to undertake the codification and simplification of the Laws of England?

THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY (Mr. A. J. BALFOUR,) Manches- 1441 ter, E.

I am afraid I cannot promise that this enormous undertaking shall be started at the present time. It is an ideal which many law reformers have endeavoured to progress for generations past, but I cannot myself undertake to contribute to its fulfilment.

SIR E. ASHMEAD-BARTLETT

Will the right hon. Gentleman make an effort?

THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY

If consulting my legal Friends in this or the other House can be regarded as making an effort, I shall be prepared to do that.