HC Deb 01 September 1887 vol 320 c741
MR. T. M. HEALY (Longford, N.)

asked Mr. Attorney General for Ireland, Has the ex-Attorney General been consulted this year, or is it intended to consult him, in accordance with precedent, as to the names of the proposed Assistant Revising Barristers; is it the fact that in 1885, during a Tory Administration, all the appointments were made by 30th August (some sittings beginning as early as 4th September), while in 1886 the appointments were made even earlier by the Liberal Government; if so, what is the cause of the delay this year; and, is it intended not to announce the names until the Estimates have been passed?

THE ATTORNEY GENERAL FOR IRELAND (Mr. GIBSON) (Liverpool, Walton)

The ex-Attorney General has not been consulted, nor was his Predecessor last year by the late Administration. In 1885 most of the Revising Barristers were appointed by the 30th of August, but some at a later date. In 1885 it was important to commence the revision as soon as possible after the 1st of September, whereas now the revision cannot commence before the 8th of September. It is the fact that Revising Barristers were appointed earlier by the Earl of Aberdeen, who appointed 28 on the 2nd of August, three days before the Marquess of Londonderry was sworn in, and 11 were afterwards added. It is proposed to appoint 26, as against 39 last year. There is no such intention as suggested in the last paragraph of the Question.

MR. T. M. HEALY

In view of the important fact that the seats of many Members are dependent upon whether "True Blues" are appointed or not, I want to know whether the Government will postpone the Estimates for the salaries of these gentlemen until after we have been furnished with their names? I should not like to be kicked out of this House without—

MR. SPEAKER

Order, order !

MR. T. M. HEALY

Then I shall oppose these Estimates being brought on before we have the names of these gentlemen.

Subsequently,

THE CHIEF SECRETARY FOR IRELAND) (Mr. A. J. BALFOUR) (Manches- 742 ter, E.)

said: Perhaps it will be convenient to the hon. and learned Member for Longford if I inform him and the House that I shall be able to give tomorrow a list of names of Revising Barristers.