§ Sir John Newport, seeing the right hon. Secretary of State (Sir. Robert Peel) in his place, wished to draw his attention to a recent occurrence of public interest. By the death of Lord Kilwarden the office of Registrar of Deeds in Ireland had become vacant. He (Sir John Newport) considered the present a very fit opportunity for the Government to show its disposition for retrenchment, by abolishing the office of Registrar altogether, as it was a mere sinecure, and there could not be any noise about vested interests, which were now extinct. He wished to see the regulation of these offices on the same footing throughout the United Kingdom, and he considered that the excellent regulations adopted in the Register Office in Scotland afforded an example worthy to be followed. He therefore hoped that the Government would pause before it filled up the appointment; and, if it really were intended to continue it, that the House would previously have the opportunity of expressing its opinions on the expediency of its continuance.
§ Mr. O'Connellcondemned the present regulations of the Irish Register Office, and stated that since the passing of the new Act more expense was incurred, and confusion created, than formerly.
§ Sir R. Peelstated his impression to be that the sinecure office was already abolished by law, and that there were no vested interests existing. He could assure the hon. Baronet and the House that before the office was filled up ample opportunity should be given for taking the subject under consideration. He felt assured that there was no disposition on 1142 the part of the Crown for the continuance of an useless office.
§ Sir John Newportsaid a few words in explanation in a low tone of voice, and the conversation dropped.