§ The Lord Chancellorsaid, that their Lordships were aware that in former times there existed a custom called benefit of clergy, by which persons who could claim benefit of clergy were exempted from the operation of the law. In the time of Edward 6th an act was passed giving to Members of that House the same benefit. An act was passed in 1828, by which benefit of clergy was abolished, but no provision was made with regard to benefit of peerage, and doubts were entertained, he did not say that he entertained doubts, as to whether, notwithstanding the act of 1828, the benefit of the act of Edward 6th remained in force with regard to the Members of that House. He had no hesitation in saying that there was not a Member of that House who would wish any doubt to remain on this subject, and it was to put an end to any doubt that might exist that he introduced the present measure, for the purpose of distinctly and explicitly declaring that benefit of peerage should be abolished. The noble and learned Lord moved the first reading of the bill.
§ Bill read a first time.
§ Adjourned.