HC Deb 09 February 1893 vol 8 cc896-7
MR. POWELL WILLIAMS (Birmingham, S.)

I beg to ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the total estimated additional east to be incurred for fees, clerks, and office expenses in connection with the recent revision of payments made to the Law Officers of the Crown; and how much of such cost will consist of additional fees?

SIR R. WEBSTER (Isle of Wight)

Arising out of a previous answer gives by the right hon. Gentleman with reference to this question, in which he is reported to have said that inconvenience has been experienced through the want of a record of the Law Officers' Opinions, may I ask whether he is aware that dorm, the last 15 years an accurate record of all the Law Officers' Opinions has been kept?

*THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER (Sir W. HARCOURT,) Derby

My knowledge of what has happened in the last 15 years is somewhat imperfect. I remember during the short time I occupied the post of Law Officer that a large number of documents were discharged out of a cab on to the pavement, and these were said to be the Opinions of the Law Officers of the Crown. In answer to the question of the hon. Member, I have to say that the clerical staff of the Law Officers' Department will cost £1,350 a year, and will be provided with an office in the Royal Courts of Justice. It is impossible to state beforehand what, the additional fees (if any) will amount to.

MR. POWELL WILLIAMS

Has the right hon. Gentleman sanctioned the expenditure of public money without having previously had before him an estimate of the amount?

*SIR W. HARCOURT

No, Sir; I have not sanctioned anything of the kind. How is it possible to tell how many eases will be heard in the course of the coming 12 months and the amount of fees payable thereon?

MR. POWELL WILLIAMS

Is it not possible to make an estimate of the amount of extra fees that would be paid?

*SIR W. HARCOURT

No, Sir, I cannot make au estimate of how many actions will be brought in the coming year in which the Attorney General will be engaged. Anybody will see that that is impossible.

MR. POWELL WILLIAMS

I beg to give notice that I will call attention to this matter in Committee of Supply, if the Government ever get there.