§ MR. JOHN MORLEY (Newcastle-upon-Tyne)asked Mr. Attorney General, Whether the Council of the City and County of Newcastle-upon-Tyne did, in the year 1883, submit a sealed Memorial to the Queen in Council, praying for amendment of the procedure of the Burgess and Non-Burgess Courts of the city; whether in 1885, at the request of the Lord Chancellor, a draft of the proposed new Rules of Procedure was prepared and submitted; whether this draft was approved, and whether new Rules, framed in accordance with the suggestions of 459 the Privy Council, were sent for consideration in March, 1886; whether, after this long interval of two years and nine months, the Lord Chancellor stated, on October 3 last, in reply to a communication from the City Council, that—"It is impossible to say when a subject of so much detail can be finally disposed of; but it will receive consideration as soon as possible;" what are the grounds for this delay; and, whether he will forthwith cause the matter to be expedited?
§ THE ATTORNEY GENERAL (Sir RICHARD WEBSTER) (Isle of Wight)In reply to the right hon. Gentleman, I am informed that the facts are substantially as stated in his Question. The matter has been before the Committee of Judges; but, owing to the great pressure of other business, I am told it has not been possible to deal with the question at present. I have no no power to expedite the matter; but I will call the attention of the Secretary to the Committee of Judges to the point. I ought to add that it is a matter for very grave consideration whether the business of these Local Courts might not with advantage be transferred to the County Courts.