§ THE DUKE OF RICHMONDwished to make a suggestion to the noble and learned Lord on the Woolsack, with reference to the Resolution which the noble 1129 and learned Lord proposed to move on Monday next—
That it is expedient that one Imperial Supreme Court of Appeal be established which shall sit continuously for the hearing of all matters now heard by way of Appeal before this House, or before the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council; and that the Appellate Jurisdiction of this House be transferred to such Supreme Court of Appeal.He (the Duke of Rickmond) thought it would be a matter of considerable inconvenience, if their Lordships were asked to come to a decision upon that Resolution on Monday; and he could not help thinking it would be most convenient if the noble and learned Lord brought in his Bill and made his statement on Monday, reserving his Resolution for some other occasion before the second reading of the Bill. His objection would be removed, if the noble and learned Lord gave the House to understand that their Lordships would not be asked to come to a decision respecting the Resolution on Monday evening.
THE LORD CHANCELLORwas obliged to the noble Duke for his suggestion. He quite concurred in the desirableness of their Lordships not being called upon to come to a decision immediately upon the Resolution which stood in his name. What he desired was, to make a full explanation not only of the Resolution, but of the whole plan for establishing an Imperial Supreme Court, with a view to the whole matter being fully considered; and the course he had proposed to take of first moving the Resolution and making his statement, and subsequently bringing in his Bill, had arisen out of the respect he was desirous of manifesting for their Lordships' House. The privilege of finally hearing appeals was one which that House had long exercised, and he did not like to introduce a Bill to deprive it of that privilege without a previous Resolution, by means of which their Lordships would affirm that a change in that direction was desirable. The noble Duke was, however, kind enough to propose that he should be allowed to make his statement and introduce his Bill in the first instance. He willingly acceded to the noble Duke's suggestion, and would consent to the discussion on the Resolution being adjourned from Monday night to a future occasion, before the second reading of the Bill.