HC Deb 22 February 1892 vol 1 cc889-90
MR. SEXTON (Belfast, W.)

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware of the great inconvenience caused to the merchants of Belfast in not having a local registry for the issue of writs of summons; and whether he will consider the desirability of establishing a district registry there?

* THE ATTORNEY GENERAL FOR IRELAND (Mr. MADDEN, Dublin University)

Perhaps I may be allowed to answer this question. The matter referred to by the hon. Member is not under the control of the Executive Government. Under the provisions of the Irish Judicature Act, 1877, all matters connected with the issue of writs are regulated by rules of Court to be made by the Lord Lieutenant, with the concurrence of a majority of the Judges, including the Lord Chancellor; and provision for the issue of writs has been made by the 5th Consolidated Order recently made by them.

MR. SEXTON

What I would like to ask the right hon. and learned Gentleman is, whether there are 83 places in England and Wales where these writs may be issued, but only one in Ireland; and whether he or the Chief Secretary will move the Lord Lieutenant to a conference with the Judges, so as to ascertain whether new Courts may be established?

MR. MADDEN

I presume the question was considered by the Judges when they framed the Consolidated Rules within the last few months. I have explained that the matter cannot be dealt with by the Executive Government. However, I shall bring the matter under the notice of the Lord Chancellor.

MR. SEXTON

I shall take the earliest opportunity of moving that the City of Belfast should no longer labour under so absurd a difficulty.

MR. T. M. HEALY (Cork)

I would ask whether, in addition to the rules of Court, an amendment to the law does not require certain Treasury arrangements for providing the necessary staff?

MR. MADDEN

The matter cannot be dealt with at all except by a majority of the Judges; but, of course, if a majority of the Judges came to the conclusion that there should be a local issue of writs in Belfast, it would, no doubt, be necessary to make provisions to utilise existing offices, or to make other arrangements. The matter, in the first instance, is one for the decision of a majority of the Judges.