§ MR. T. M. HEALYI beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant whether he adheres to his declaration that the Government are compelled by law to fill the vacancies on the Irish Judicial Bench as they arise?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURI apprehend that unless some considerable modifications were made in the existing conditions of the Judicial Bench in Ireland it would be necessary to fill up the vacancies.
§ MR. T. W. RUSSELLI wish to ask whether, seeing that on both sides of the House there is an opinion that the Irish Bench is overmanned, and that there is a desire that the vacancy at present existing should not be filled up, the right hon. Gentleman will promise that it shall not be filled up while Parliament is not sitting?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURIt is very likely not to be filled up while Parliament is not sitting.
§ MR. T. M. HEALYThen has the Government a suspensory power over the law?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOUROf course there is a suspensory power in the hands of the Government. The fact that there is a vacancy does not make it necessary to fill it up immediately.
§ MR. T. M. HEALYThis occurred three months ago.
§ MR. SEXTONIs the Government aware of any person suitable to fill the vacancy?