THE LORD CHANCELLOR, in laying on the table a Bill to relieve the Judges of a portion of their business in Chambers, said, at present the principal part of the practice of the Superior Courts was transacted in Chambers, and a great portion of these duties might just as well be performed by the Masters of the Courts. Last Session, when the salaries of the Masters were increased, he caused a letter to be written to them, informing them that a proposal would be made that additional duties of this kind should be imposed upon them, and giving them to understand that no additional remuneration would be granted on that account. At present, some one Judge was obliged to rise at one o'clock, in order to attend Chambers, and thus half the day was lost. He proposed that the 454 Judges should have the power of making rules and regulations for the purpose of transferring to the Masters such of the business of Chambers as they might think desirable. The noble and learned Lord concluded by moving the first reading of the Bill.
§ LORD CRANWORTHthought that the measure would be very useful.
§ A Bill to provide for the better Despatch of Business in the Chambers of the Judges of the Superior Courts of Common Law—Was presented by The LORD CHANCELLOR; read 1a. (No. 58.)