THE LORD CHANCELLOR, on moving the second reading of this Bill, explained that its object was to confer upon Her Majesty additional powers with reference to the alteration of circuits, and that it was rendered necessary by the provisions of the law as to the appointment of revising barristers. He did not at present think it desirable to enter into an explanation of the changes which it was intended to make in the circuits; but he trusted that the arrangement would be satisfactory, and would come into operation at the next Spring Assizes.
§ Moved, That the Bill be now read 2a: (The Lord Chancellor)
§ THE EARL OF POWISasked whether the Bill would empower the Sovereign to abolish the holding of assizes in places in which they were now held?
THE LORD CHANCELLORsaid, that the power referred to by the noble Earl was not given in this Bill, because it already existed under the 3 & 4 Will. IV., c. 71.
§ Motion agreed to: Bill read 2a accordingly, and committed to a Committee of the Whole House To-morrow.