Lords Sitting of 25 February 1845

MINUTES.
PETITIONS PRESENTED. By Earl Fitzwilliam, from Inhabitants of Brough, and 5 other places, for adopting Measures for the Suppression of Intemperance.—By Lord Brougham, from Presbytery of Chanonry, for Improving the Condition of Schoolmasters (Scotland).

COMMISSIONERS IN BANKRUPTCY.
Lord Campbellinquired when the noble and learned Lord (Lord Brougham) intended to present the petition respecting the Commissioners in Bankruptcy? It contained grave charges against those learned individuals, which ought not to be allowed to be kept in suspense.
Lord Broughamsaid, he had postponed the presentation of the petition, in order that the Commissioners themselves might have an opportunity of tendering an explanation. If the Returns now on the Table should satisfy him that since he had given his notice they had attended more to their business, that might preclude the necessity of entering into discussion on the subject. He would, however, present the petition on any day that might suit his noble and learned Friend on the Woolsack.
The Lord Chancellorsaid, that his noble and learned Friend had better suit his own convenience as to the presentation of the petition. He had felt it his duty to communicate to those gentlemen holding judicial situations the purport of the petition, in order that they might have an opportunity for explanation. They had made an explanation to him, which he considered entirely satisfactory; and he would put it to his noble and learned Friend, whether it would be quite prudent to discuss the conduct of gentlemen holding judicial situations unless he was quite satisfied that the charges were correct.
Lord Brougham: If his noble and learned Friend was quite satisfied, he could only say that none of the suitors were.
The Lord Chancellor: A good deal must be left to the Judges themselves.
Lord Brougham: What! if they only sit two or three days a week?
The Lord Chancellorwas not speaking as to the precise number of days or hours they might sit; but they state that they sit a sufficient number of hours for the due despatch of business.
Lord Broughamwas at issue with them on that point.
House adjourned.