§ MR. BRISTOWE (Lambeth, Norwood)I beg to ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will explain why compulsory retirement at a fixed age, and promotion by merit as recommended by the Legal Offices Committee, 1887, and the Order in Council of 13th August, 1890, has not yet been introduced and enforced in the Central Office of the Supreme Court?
§ THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER (Mr. GOSCHEN,) St. George's, Hanover SquareI am assured that due regard is paid to the consideration of merit in all promotions made in the staff of the Central Office. It is more than doubtful whether the terms of the Order in Council of August 13, 1890, apply to the staff of the Central Office, but I am in communication with 1059 the Lord Chancellor upon the other matter referred to in the question—namely, the compulsory retirement of officers after a fixed limit of age.