HL Deb 30 April 1901 vol 93 cc177-8

[SECOND READING.]

Order of the Day for the Second Reading read.

LORD ALVERSTONE

My Lords, I have introduced this Bill at the request of my learned friend the Master of the Rolls. A difficulty has arisen as to the granting or renewing of certificates to solicitors who are undischarged bankrupts. The law at present is not only unsatisfactory, but doubtful. The object of the Bill is to remove these doubts, and it is proposed that the registrar of solicitors—the Incorporated Law Society—shall have the right of refusing the renewal of a certificate to an undischarged bankrupt; but there will be a right of appeal to the Master of the Rolls, who may make such order as he thinks fit. This is a necessary amendment of law, and I trust your Lordships will give the Bill a Second Reading.

Moved, "That the Bill be now read 2a."—(Lord Alverstone.)

On Question, agreed to; Bill read 2a accordingly, and committed to a Committee of the Whole House on Tuesday next.

House adjourned at twenty-five minutes before Five of the clock, to Thursday next, half-past Ten of the clock.