§ MR. BIGGARasked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Whether he is aware that the secretary of the grand jury for the county of Cavan, or his deputy, charges a one shilling fee for each cheque paid to a contractor; and, whether such charge is justifiable; and, if not, will he take means to have it discontinued?
§ MR. CAMPBELL-BANNERMANThe secretary of a Grand Jury is appointed by that body, and I have no control over him. I am, however, informed that the secretary of the Grand Jury of the county of Cavan does 1752 charge a fee of 1s. for providing and preparing forms of application to Presentment Sessions necessary to obtain orders for payment of contracts, as prescribed by the Grand Jury Act. It is no part of his duty, as such secretary, to provide and prepare these forms, and any contractor may himself prepare his own form, in which case no fee is paid; but if he chooses to avail himself of the services of the secretary, there is no objection to the secretary requiring to be paid a fee. I understand that the practice is similar in other counties.