§ MR. CAREW (Kildare, N.)asked the First Lord of the Treasury, Whether his attention has been called to the Report of the Committee appointed to inquire into the state of business in the Chancery Division of the High Court of Justice, dated 7th August, 1885, which states that the number of Judges attached to this Division was unequal to cope with the business, and recommends the appointment of an additional Judge as absolutely essential, in order to clear off arrears; whether he is aware that 48 the number of causes standing for hearing is on the increase; and, whether any, and what, steps will be taken to carry into effect the recommendations of the Committee, and thus prevent the injury and additional costs caused to suitors by the present state of things?
§ THE FIRST LORD (Mr. W. H. SMITH) (Strand, Westminster)My attention has been drawn to the subject. I am aware that the number of cases standing for hearing is on the increase; but I am sorry to say that, having regard to the state of Public Business, I cannot enter into any engagement with the House to move an Address to the Crown for the appointment of an additional Judge in the course of the present Session.