§ Lord Plunket laid on the table a bill to amend the law relating to bankruptcy in Ireland. The object of the measure was to assimilate the law of the two countries on this subject. He was anxious to extend to Ireland the principle of the improvements in the bankrupt law, which had been effected by the 6th of the late King, and by the 1st and 2d of his present Majesty. It was proposed to abolish the present Commissioners of bankruptcy in Ireland, of whom there were twenty-five, and to substitute one Commissioner only for the administration of this branch of the law. In making this alteration, there was not the most remote idea of casting any imputation on those gentlemen, who, he believed, had performed their duties faithfully. The proposition was made, because it would facilitate the objects which suitors had in view.
§ Bill read a first time.