HC Deb 02 March 1818 vol 37 cc700-1
Sir J. Newport

asked, whether any measures had been taken by the Irish government in consequence of the reports of the commissioners for investigating the fees and emoluments of the several officers connected with the courts of justice in that country?

Mr. Peel

observed, that the three reports from the commission alluded to were so voluminous, as to require some time for their consideration. They had been submitted to the examination of the lord chancellor of Ireland, with a view to collect his opinion for the satisfaction of the Irish government, as to the arrangements proposed, and from his own knowledge he could state, that that learned lord had, in conjunction with the master of the rolls, devoted a great deal of attention to the subject. The master of the rolls had, indeed, occupied a great part of the last vacation in considering those reports, and the capacity of that learned person to form a correct judgment upon any subject, could not be questioned by any one who had an opportunity of appreciating his talents. When the opinions of those two learned persons should be communicated to the Irish government, he could assure the right hon. baronet that it was the intention of that government to adopt such measures as the equity of the case should suggest. With regard to the office of the clerk of the pleas, about which so much discussion had taken place, the Irish government had arranged, that the fees of that office should be invested in the public treasury, until a final decision should be pronounced upon that subject, with regard to which an appeal was now pending in the House of Lords. As to the deputy clerk of the pleas, upon whose conduct one of the reports alluded to so particularly animadverted, the Irish government had felt it a duty to dismiss that person not only from that office, but from another office also, which he had held for many years.

Sir J. Newport

declared, that he was much pleased with the reply of the right hon. gentleman. He was, indeed, encouraged to hope that such measures would be taken in consequence of the reports alluded to, as were essential to the ends of public justice.