§ Lord Colchester moved the third reading of this bill.
Lord Melvilleapproved of the bill, but thought there were some of the clauses which it would be better to postpone.
The Earl of Liverpool,though no person in that House was less qualified than himself to give an opinion of the details of the measure now proposed, was nevertheless quite convinced that no greater boon was ever offered to a country. An experience of many years had shewn the inconvenience of the present system, and the legislature was not called upon hastily to adopt the present measure. A commission had been appointed to investigate the subject, composed of twenty-six persons, who stood high in the profession of the law. The report which these gentlemen had made was the foundation of the present bill. It was not, however, a law which could be neither repealed nor amended; and if experience should shew that errors had been committed, parliament might remedy them. The bill did not shut the door against further improvement.
The Duke of Atholgave full praise to those who had introduced this measure; he knew they were actuated solely by a desire to confer on that part of the country a valuable boon. He was not, however, quite sure that those for whom it was intended, would see it in that light. He thought it would have been better if the bill had only been printed now, and allowed to stand over until next session.
The Earl of Rosslyngave the bill his support with great satisfaction, because it was nearly word for word what was recommended by the report.
The Lord Chancellordid not think he should be doing his duty to his majesty's subjects in Scotland, if he did not state that this bill met with his cordial approbation.
§ Lord Redesdalealso supported the bill. The number of appeals which came from that part of the country, was a convincing proof that something was wrong in the administration of justice.
§ The bill was then read a third time.