§ MR. O'HEA (Donegal, W.)asked the Secretary to the Treasury, If there was, in connection with the Court of Chancery in Ireland, up to the passing of the Judicature Act, what was known as a "Box Fund," to which the sum of 1s. had to be contributed on the filing of each pleading and affidavit in the Chancery Division; how long the fund was in existence; and, what was the total sum contributed to it, and how was the money applied?
§ THE SECRETARY (Mr. JACKSON) (Leeds, N.)The facts as to the "Box Fund" are substantially as stated in the first part of the Question. The fund has existed from time immemorial. I am unable to give the total sum contributed to it; but in the three years preceding 1875 the receipts averaged £392. They were applied to the payment sometimes of gratuities, but more commonly of small annuities to females in very reduced circumstances, for the most part widows and daughters of solicitors. The fees were collected for the fund by usage only, and when the Judicature Act was 891 passed the fund was closed by the then Lord Chancellor, and the balance standing to its credit divided among the then existing annuitants.
§ MR. O'HEAasked if the hon. Gentleman could say who were the persons among whom the money was divided and the amounts paid to them?
§ MR. JACKSONPerhaps the hon. Member will give Notice of that Question.