HC Deb 20 July 1888 vol 329 cc45-6
MR. ARTHUR O'CONNOR (Donegal, E.)

asked the First Lord of the Treasury, What provision the Government propose to make for the expenses of the Commission to be established in pursuance of the Members of Parliament (Charges and Allegations) Bill; what for the expenses in connection with proceedings before it; and, what provision they propose to make for the discharge of the ordinary judicial duties of the Judges included in the Commission?

THE FIRST LORD (Mr. W. H. SMITH) (Strand, Westminster)

Provision will be made for the expenses of the Royal Commission, as in the case of all other Commissions; and a similar answer will apply if necessity should arise for making provision for the discharge of the ordinary duties of the Judges.

MR. ARTHUR O'CONNOR

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer the second part of my Question?

MR. W. H. SMITH

My answer covers the second paragraph of the hon. Member's Question.

THE LORD MAYOR OF DUBLIN (Mr. SEXTON) (Belfast, W.)

I wish to ask the right hon. Gentleman, whether the Government intend to make provision for the expenses of persons, and of counsel for persons, who are summoned to appear before the Commission; and whether it is the intention that three of the Judges shall be withdrawn from their ordinary duties?

MR. W. H. SMITH

It is very inconvenient to answer Questions of this kind without Notice; but I have no hesitation in saying that there is no intention on the part of the Government to provide for the expenses of counsel. The same course will be followed in regard to this as to all ordinary Commissions.

MR. SEXTON

I wish, Sir——

MR. SPEAKER

Order, order!

MR. SEXTON

The right hon. Gentleman has omitted to reply to part of my Question. I asked him whether it is intended to withdraw three Judges for the purpose of this Commission?

MR. W. H. SMITH

I think I can hardly be expected to answer a Question of that character without Notice; but I think my answer to the hon. Member for East Donegal sufficiently explained the course intended to be followed. If it be necessary, provision will be made for the discharge of the ordinary official duties of the Judges to be employed on this Commission, in the same way as in the case of any other Royal Commission.

MR. ARTHUR O'CONNOR

Well, will there be a Supplementary Estimate?

MR. W. H. SMITH

No, Sir.