CHANCERY COURTS (IRELAND) BILLS. (Hansard, 4 February 1856)

§ MR. WHITESIDE

said, he rose to move for leave to introduce a series of Bills for the improvement or alteration of the Court of Chancery in Ireland. The hon. and learned Solicitor General for Ireland had given notice of his intention to introduce a measure with apparently a similar object to that which he (Mr. Whiteside) himself had in view. He should be only too happy to leave the matter in the hands of the hon. and learned Gentleman if he thought that the Bill of the Solicitor General would effect all these alterations and amendments in the practice of that Court which he thought should be effected; but inasmuch as he believed that the hon. and learned Gentleman had only accepted some of his (Mr. Whiteside's) views, he trusted he would be pardoned in endeavouring to press his own measure forward. He submitted that there ought to be established a Court of Appeal from the Court of Chancery, the want of which had long been felt in Ireland. The difficulty which stood in the way of this object was the construction of the new Court, and the expense attending its maintenance. The plan he suggested was the appointment of ex-Chancellor Blackburne, and that of the 184 Judge of the Ecclesiastical or Prerogative Court of Ireland, as the two Judges out of the three necessary to constitute such Court. More able men, or men more competent to discharge the duties of the proposed Court could not be selected in Ireland. A most excellent Court of Appeal, and one entailing but a small expense upon the country, could thus be established. He believed, however, that he might state that his plan, if carried into operation, would cost the country £40,000 a year less than that which was about to be enunciated by the hon. and learned Solicitor General for Ireland. The hon. and learned Gentleman then asked leave to introduce the following Bills, namely— Bill to make provision for the more speedy and effectual despatch of business in the High Court of Chancery in Ireland. Bill to amend the practice and course of proceeding in the High Court of Chancery in Ireland. Bill to alter the law and practice of the High Court of Chancery in Ireland in relation to the appointment of Receivers, and the management of Estates under the control of the said Court. Bill for securing the titles of Purchasers of Estates sold under the Court of Chancery in Ireland. Bill to facilitate and diminish the expense of Appeals from the Court of Chancery in Ireland.