§ MR. THOMAS ELLIS (Merionethshire)asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether the attention of the Lord Chancellor has been called to the strictures made by Lord Coleridge on the conduct of County Court Judge Bishop in not entering the verdict as given in writing by the jury in the case of the Rev. Richard Jones versus Roberts and others, which was heard on appeal on 17th December, 1888, before Lord Coleridge and Mr. Justice Manisty; and whether the Lord Chancellor has taken any action in the matter?
§ MR. MATTHEWSI am informed by the Lord Chancellor that the proceedings in the case before Judge Bishop have been submitted for his consideration. The learned Judge seems to have come to a conclusion, erroneous in point of law, but which, if it were sound, would have made the findings of the jury immaterial. After careful consideration the Lord Chancellor cannot find anything in the case calling for his interference, which, as the hon. Member is aware, is only applicable where a Judge has been guilty of misconduct.
§ MR. T. ELLISMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman to lay on the Table the shorthand notes of the remarks of the Lord Chief Justice?
§ MR. MATTHEWSNo, Sir; that would be an extremely unusual course.