§ On the Motion for the third reading of this Bill,
The Duke of Buccleughrose to move several Amendments, the effect of which was, to continue the Court with only one Judge, and at a reduced salary. He was sure that neither the State nor the public would benefit by the total abolition of the Court, and he could not believe that handing over its business to a Lord of Session, who was unacquainted with it, could promote the public service. He was convinced that if the Junior Baron as well as the Chief Baron were to retire, some new Court would be necessary to carry on the business. As a saving of 6,000l. a-year would be effected by abolishing the office of Chief Baron, and the office of one Junior Baron, he should hope that his Amendments would be agreed to.
The Earl of Roseberrywas surprised at the course followed by the noble Duke, which was most unusual. The Amendments moved by the noble Duke struck at the principle of the Bill which was to abolish prospectively the Court of Exchequer in Scotland, on the death or retirement of the present Barons. The noble Duke bad laid no ground whatever to induce their Lordships to follow the unusual course recommended by the noble Duke.
§ Amendments negatived.
The Lord Chancellorsaid, that his attention having been drawn to the subject, he thought it then right to state that restrictions might be imposed on granting pensions to Judges in future. What the provision for them, as well as the retiring provision for the Lord Chancellor, ought to be, it was not for him to say, but he hoped that this observation would be considered a notice to all those who might hereafter have applications to make on this subject.
§ Bill read a third time and passed.