LORD BROUGHAMsaid, that since he presented a petition on Tuesday night on a matter of great importance to the manufacturing interest of Scotland—the arrestment of artificers and labourers' wages— he had thought the best course would be to introduce a Bill on the subject, with the view of amending certain provisions of the Act of 1837. He would, therefore, now lay upon the table a Bill to alter and amend an Act of 7th Will. IV. and 1st Vict., cap. 41, so far as relates to the Arrestment of Wages for Debt.
The LORD CHANCELLORwas quite ready to concur in the first reading of this Bill, for, as far as he understood the subject, he was disposed to think that the law allowing the arrestment of wages was very objectionable. He would, however, suggest that the Bill should be immediately printed, and that ample time should be allowed before the second reading for its consideration by the numerous parties in Scotland whose interests it affected.
§ LORD PANMUREwas glad the noble 1295 and learned Lord had introduced this Bill, for he was satisfied that the system which it was intended to deal with had occasioned in a great measure the extensive consumption of spirits which took place in the large towns of Scotland. When retailers of spirits found that an artificer was a clever workman, and obtained good wages, they gave him credit, without any consideration for the interests of his family, and at the end of the week he might find himself almost penniless.
§ Bill read 1a.