HL Deb 01 August 1844 vol 76 cc1641-2
Lord Brougham

(on presenting a Petition) said, that in consequence of the expectation which prevailed for some time past, that a Bill would immediately be passed for the alteration of the laws affecting Insolvent Debtors, many persons had neglected to give the necessary notices, under the existing law, and they were now under the impression that they would be obliged to remain in prison until December next, before they could obtain relief. The best way to dissipate the apprehensions of these poor people would be to make public the effect of the Bill which had passed their Lordships' House, and was now in progress through the House of Commons. Under its provisions, there would be no necessity for any person to remain several months in prison, as it would only require a sheet of paper and a stamp for a statement of any case, which being sent to the Commissioners would insure a hearing. All the debtor would have to do, under this measure, was, to frame a petition, and to send it in to the Commissioners. All the rest would be done by the Commissioners, without any expense at all. He should draw up a short statement of this nature, and have it printed and universally circulated through the press, in order that parties might not suffer any hardship through ignorance of the fact.

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