The British Press; or, Morning Literary Advertiser.
London, England, 1820-02-22 00:00:00

INSOLVENT DEBTORS' BILL.

Lord ALTHOKP, in postponing the reading of
this Bill, said, that the objections to it were Ist,
that it compelled the debtor to take advantage of
the law, instead of remaining in gaol or within the
Rules of the King's Bench ; this, lie thought,
was an equitable clause, because it was not fair
that the debtor should have an advantage over
the creditor, who was the sufferer. The next
objection was as to the clause reespecting
freehold property. With regard. to that, the
life interest of the debtor only was made liable to
the payment of his debts, an equitable provision
which necessity called for. Another objection
was, as to the necessity of compelling the
debtor to remain three months in gaol. This
was considered a severe and unnecessary se-
verity; but it appeared to him and the Committee
that this imprisonment would operate as a punish-
ment. He was willing to concede that the facility
of credit was too great ; that was an evil which
should be cured, but in correcting it the House
would not give the debtor an advantage over the
creditor.

Mr. Alderman WOOD lamented that so much
time had been lost on a subject of so much import-
ance, which affected so many, and respecting
which the table of the House, indeed he might say
the whole House, was covered with petitions.
The Conveyancers' Bill was ordered to be read •
second time this day fortnight.
On the motion of Mr.- MAIERLY, accounts were
ordered of the Net Revenue, from the 10th of
October, 1819, to the Stli of January, 1840, sepa-
rating England from Ireland;
Also an account of the New Duties„distinguish-
ing each duty, if possible;
Also, an account of the deficiency of the Con-
solidated Fund up to the sth of January, and the
manner in which it is intended to make good the
same. The Hutt. Gentleman said that he under-
stood the arrears of the Consolidated Fund were
great to an unprecedented extent. He understood
that there were from ten to eleven millions of
arrear.

The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER said, that
the Hon. Member was mistaken—the amount of
arrears up to the sth of January was eight millions
six hundred thousand pounds. In comparing the
last quarter with the corresponding quarter of the
previous year, there was an itidease of six hundred
thousand pounds of the fend ; he hoped, therefore,
that the arrear would ~be considerably diminished
in the quarter ending the 6th of April.
Mr. MAIIIRLT said, in addition to the eight
millions six hundred thousand pounds, there was
en addition of two millions six hundred thousand
pounds, which be left oat of his estimate.
The CHLRCHIACH of the Excumbuss assured
the Hon. Gentleman that he seas in error. The
Right liem.Gentlemaa went on to giee a sham ea-

-

planation, but in a tone of voice so extremely low
as to be altogether inaudible in the gsllrry.
The CMANCELLOIL of the Rimming& brought
up a Bill to continue certain Laws which may es.
pire within a limited period = which was read a first
time, and ordered to be read a second time to.
morrow.

Lord Avennar gave notice. that he would pro.
rim* a clause in the Committee nip this Bill. that
the furlvent Debtors' Act he included in the Bill.
as nue likely to expire within a limited period.
S I papers were brought op. and order to lie
on the table, and the House adjourned at Half-plat
Eight o'Clock.

FOREIGN INTELLIGENCE.