§ THE EARL OF DERBYsaid, he had to present a Petition, to which he would invite the attention of the noble and learned Lord on the Woolsack. The Petitioners were William Stourton and Teresa Mary Josephine Doughty Tichborne, defendants in a Cause now pending 962 in the Court of Common Pleas, and prayed that the sitting of the said Court may not be suspended until the conclusion of the trial. The cause to which the Petition referred was well known to all their Lordships. The trial, after occupying the Court many weeks, was now about to be suspended for the Long Vacation. Against this postponement the Petitioners protested, on the ground that several of the witnesses were of advanced age and in ill-health, and that by their death in the interim the ends of justice might be prejudiced. He had felt it his duty not to refuse to present this Petition, and it was hardly necessary to add that he did not do so in the interest of either of the parties to the suit, his motive being simply a belief that the matter was one of public importance, which it was right to bring before their Lordships.
§ EARL STANHOPEhoped the matter would receive the attention of the Government.
THE LORD CHANCELLORsaid, the matter had already been taken into consideration. He believed a short Bill would be introduced into the other House—not with reference to this particular case, but for the purpose of enabling all Courts to sit at such times as might be expedient for the due administration of justice, notwithstanding any General Orders which might exist to the contrary.
§ Petition read, and ordered to lie on the Table.