It was discovered that an important omission had been made in equipping the bank for the part it was to play in the commercial world, and on the 7th of May, 1834, three months after business had been commenced, application was made to Parliament for power to sue and be sued. The Bank of England directors again showed how jealous they were of the new comer, for they petitioned to be heard by counsel-an act on their part no less foolish than it was contemptible. As if there were not room for two joint-stock banks in such a metropolis, for the Bank of England was to all intents and purposes a joint-stock bank. In spite of their opposition, the London and Westminster bank passed their bill through the Commons, but after having been once read in the upper chamber no further trace of it is to be found in the journals. It was hoped they would not be further molested, but the Bank of England awaited their opportunity, and on discovering that the London and Westminster bank had accepted bills of exchange at a shorter date than six months, actions were brought in courts of law and equity by the Bank of England for infringements of its privileges, and the question came before the House of Lords, which resulted in the defendant being defeated and having to pay several thousand pounds of costs. Both as regards sueing and being sued, and accepting bills of exchange, the required power was subsequently granted by Parliament, and these matters were finally set at rest.