Lords Sitting of 5 June 1811

INSOLVENT DEBTORS' BILL.
Earl Moirarose to present a Bill for the temporary relief of Insolvent Debtors. During a recent discussion of a measure of a similar tendency, it was generally acknowledged that although that Bill could not be admitted in its present shape, still some Bill in the form of the temporary Insolvent Bill, which had been adopted of late years, was expedient, indeed absolutely necessary, from the overflowing State of our prisons with unfortunate persons of this description. Finding that noble lord took up the hint, he had resolved not to let the session close without some measure, however imperfect; and although he did not approve of the principle, or the provisions of such temporary bills, yet feeling the absolute necessity of some measure of the sort, he had prevailed upon himself to introduce one, which he did, however, upon the understanding that the Bill adhered to the principle of his noble and learned friend's Bill, which he trusted his noble friend would persevere in till it should be

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made unexceptionable, and passed into a law. He had not extended his present Bill to Ireland, on account of the different practices of the courts in that kingdom, but would propose a separate Bill for that country to the same effect.—The noble earl then moved the first reading of the Bill, and then introduced the Bill for Ireland, both of which were ordered to be printed, and to be read a second time on Friday.

THREE CRANES BRIDGE BILL.
Lord Keithpresented the Report of the Committee on this Bill, which was ordered to be taken into consideration, on Monday next.
Earl Stanhopegave notice, that it was his intention to move for the recommitment of the Bill on that day, and took that opportunity to make a few observations respecting the proposed erection. The bridge proposed to be erected was to be of cast iron, and to consist of three arches, each of which would be double the breadth of Oxford-street. He knew such a thing was practicable, but he doubted of its efficacy according to the plan proposed. He wished the matter to be further investigated, and with that view, that the Bill should be recommitted. Mr. Rennie, the engineer on the occasion, had not been closely examined. He had not prepared the necessary calculations when he was before the Committee, and he thought an opportunity should be afforded for a further inquiry into the subject.
Lord Keithspoke generally in approbation of the measure as then before the House. He had no objection to a recommitment of the Bill, if the noble earl thought it could be advantageous. The noble lord appeared to think favourably of the plan as proposed by Mr. Rennie, and seemed to say that it was sanctioned by the approbation of Dr. Hutton.
Earl Stanhopespoke in explanation: enforced his former remarks, and observed, that Dr. Hutton, as an interested individual, could not regularly be examined before the Committee, but such was his high respect for Dr. Hutton, that whether he was interested or not, he should pay the greatest deference to his opinion. But he added, that were the scientific gentleman in question to be thoroughly examined, his sentiments would be found similar to those entertained by himself.
The Duke of Norfolkwas adverse to the measure in, oto: he begged their lordships
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to recollect how much erections of that nature interrupt the navigation of the river Thames, the importance of which was too obvious to be insisted on. There were two bridges already in a course of erection on the river Thames, one near Vauxhall, the other between Westminster and Blackfriars Bridges, and he thought it would be preferable to wait until it should be seen how those bridges answered.