THE EARL OF CAMPERDOWN, in rising to ask when it was proposed to introduce the Bill relating to the office of High Sheriff, said: At the end of last Session, the noble and learned Lord on the Woolsack informed us that a Bill was being drawn to carry out the recommendations of the Committee which was appointed by your Lordships to consider this question, and which Committee reported in due course. I have waited to see whether any measure would be brought forward, but nothing has been done, and I think it is high time that a question should be asked about the matter. If the Bill is to have any chance of passing into law during the present Session of Parliament, it ought to be introduced without 1778 further delay. It is quite true that the hardship of being compelled to serve as High Sheriff applies to only a few persons, but the grievance in itself is a very real and serious one, as I know from a great many letters that I have received, and the Committee were unanimous in making the recommendation that a change in the law was necessary.
§ THE LORD CHANCELLORThe noble Lord must be aware that some of the recommendations of the Committee which sat upon this subject are recommendations which may give rise to a certain difference of opinion. However, after having given consideration to the matter, I hope to introduce the Bill immediately after Easter, and the noble Lord will then see to what extent the recommendations of the Committee are carried out.