HC Deb 12 August 1889 vol 339 cc1019-20
MR. CHANNING (Northampton, E.)

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for the Colonies whether an appointment has been made of the successor to Sir F. Napier Broome in the Governorship of Western Australia; and, if not, when such an appointment will be made?

THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE COLONIES (Baron H. de WORMS,) Liverpool, East Toxteth

The name of the proposed successor to Sir E. Napier Broome has not yet been submitted to the Queen; but it is intended that the appointment shall be made very shortly.

MR. T. M. HEALY

Is the statement true that the Colony of West Australia, in order to prevent English or Irish barristers emigrating into the Colony, have passed a law requiring six months' residence before they can appear in Court in any case; does this law prevail in any other Australian Colony; and, will care be taken, before the West Australian Bill is passed, to make it impossible to prevent this discrimination against incoming professional men by the older immigrants?

BARON H. DE WORMS

By a Colonial Act of 1886, which has received the Queen's assent, no person can be ad- mitted as a barrister or solicitor unless he has resided in the Colony of Western Australia for not less than six months. In South Australia previous residence for 12 months is required, but may be dispensed with by the Court. I may add that in Prince Edward Island and British Columbia 12 months' residence is a condition for admission. As to the last paragraph of the question, this period of six months' residence is required in the case of all applicants for admission to the Bar, whatever place they may come from, and Her Majesty's Government see nothing unreasonable in the condition, which, it may be added, is less onerous than the requirements of the legal authorities in the United Kingdom before admitting colonial barristers to practise.

MR. O. V. MORGAN (Battersea)

Is it a fact that barristers from the British colonies are not allowed to practise in this country until they have completed a residence of three years; and, if so, will the Government take the necessary steps to remedy this grievance?

BARON H. DE WORMS

I believe the hon. Member is correct with regard to the term of residence required. I apprehend that any change in the existing system would necessitate legislation.

MR. G. O. MORGAN (Denbighshire)

Is it not the case that a dispensation is constantly granted?

BARON H. DE WORMS

Yes, I believe that is so.

MR. T. M. HEALY

Is it an educational or a residential test that is required?

BARON H. DE WORMS

I believe that in some cases an examination is required, but in all cases a residential qualification is required.

MR. T. M. HEALY

I beg to give notice that I will oppose the Western Australia Bill when it comes before the House.