§ MR. J. SINCLAIR (, &c.) Ayrasked Mr. Solicitor General for Ireland, Whether he has yet considered the subject of assimilating the practice of the Irish Courts in the administration of an oath by the "uplifted hand," to the invariable practice in the Scotch Courts as described by the Lord Advocate; and, whether, if he considers further legislation is necessary to effect this reform, he is now prepared to state when he can introduce such legislation?
§ THE SOLICITOR GENERAL FOR IRELAND (Mr. MADDEN) (Dublin University)If the hon. Member will 1125 introduce a Bill dealing with the subject matter of his Question, I can assure him that it will receive the most favourable consideration on the part of the Government. I fear that, so long as the law is governed by the Act of 1838, differences of opinion will exist as to the proper mode of applying its provisions, and that there exist no means of obtaining the uniformity of practice which the hon. Member desires.
§ MR. J. SINCLAIRWill the hon. and learned Gentleman himself be able to introduce a Bill dealing with the subject, as it would be much better coming from the Government?
§ MR. MADDENI am afraid I cannot at this moment undertake on the part of the Government to introduce such a Bill. However, the matter will receive consideration.