Sitting of 13 March 1807

SCOTCH JUDICATURE BILL.
Lord Grenvillemoved the order of the day for the second reading of the Scotch Judicature bill. As on former occasions he had entered with some minuteness of detail into the nature of the circumstances which called for that regulation, and into the mode of carrying it into effect, he should not now trouble their lordships with a repetition of what must be so present to their recollection; but content himself with moving, that the bill be now read a second time.
The Duke of Montrosehad several objections to certain provisions of the bill, but he should not enter into a statement of them at present, as they would come more regularly before the house in another stage of the question.
The Marquis of Abercornwas by no means aware of the extent of the innovations which the bill seemed to have in contemplation, otherwise he would Lave entered his protest against it sooner. In many respects, more particularly in the creation of new places dependent upon the crown, it went to infringe not only the spirit, but the letter of the act of union.
The Earl of Lauderdalediffered wholly from the noble marquis, and pledged himself, whenever their lordships thought proper to enter upon the question, not only to convince the house, but even that noble lord, that in no instance whatever did the measure proposed go to violate the spirit, or infringe the act of union; and that it did not provide for the creation of more places or offices than existed at that period, and subsequent to the time of the union between the two countries.—The bill was then read a second time, and ordered to be committed on Monday.