§ The report of the Administration of Justice Bill having been brought up,
Lord Broughamexpressed a hope that, at no distant time, some large and comprehensive measure would be introduced for expediting and simplifying equity business, not by taking away the judicial functions of that House, but by rendering them more efficient. He was of opinion that some improvement might be made in the judicial Committee of the privy council, which, however, had operated beneficially since the plan was devised in 1833. He thought, also, that it would be beneficial if a power were vested in the Court of Chancery, and the equity courts connected with it, to frame rules for the especial regulation of those courts, as to the time of meeting, the mode of pleading generally, and the mode of taking evidence. Such a power, properly exercised, would be of great benefit to the profession, and to the respective suitors also.
§ The Lord Chancellorapproved of the suggestions of his noble and learned Friend, which were well worthy of consideration.
Lord Ellenboroughwas of opinion, that the bill as it now stood, was a much better bill than it was before it was submitted to the Select Committee, and he, for one, would not object to the bill, because it did not contain all those provisions which theoretical reasoners might wish.
§ Report agreed to.