§ MR. H. FOLEYsaid, he would beg to ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what mode he proposed to adopt for ascertaining the incomes of the Proctors and other Officers of the Ecclesiastical Courts entitled to compensation under the Act of last Session, whether by their own returns for Income tax or otherwise?
THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUERSir, the Act to which the hon. Gentleman refers only came into operation on the 11th of January last. Since that date the number of claims actually received amounts to sixty; but it is anticipated that the total number of persons who will make claim to compensation under the Act will not be less than 500. Under these circumstances, it has not been possible for the Treasury to arrive at any decision as to the principle on which the claims will be determined. It will be a matter of considerable delicacy and difficulty, and shall receive from us mature and careful consideration.