HC Deb 03 August 1894 vol 28 cc6-7
MR. W. JOHNSTON

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether, in prospect of a number of freehold claims for the franchise being made at the coming Revision Sessions in Ireland, he will direct that, where necessary, in conse- quence of the delay in registering titles under The Local Registration of Title Act, 1891, copies of the vesting orders, or conveyances, as the case may he, shall be forwarded to the Clerk of the Crown and Peace, for production before the Revising Barrister?

THE CHIEF SECRETARY FOR IRELAND (Mr. J. MORLEY,) Newcastle-upon-Tyne

I am informed that copies of vesting orders or conveyances are not legal evidence, which the Revising Barristers are bound to accept. With respect to purchase under the Laud Acts, transfers of freeholds executed since the 5th of August, 1891, do not confer a title to the freehold franchise until the registration of the title has been completed (see Sec. 25, Sub-sec. 1 of The Local Registration of Title Act, 1891). In such cases it would be useless to obtain the documents before the completion of the registration.

MR. CARSON (Dublin University)

Is it not the fact that there is great delay in the registration, and that great inconvenience is thereby caused?

MR. J. MORLEY

I am sorry to say that there is great delay, and I am advised by the officer in charge of the department that some further legislation will be necessary if the department is to be made as effective as hon. Members on both sides of the House would desire it to be.

MR. ROSS (Londonderry)

Would it not be possible by putting on an extra staff to get up the arrears of the work?

MR. J. MORLEY

I can only say that I have the matter under my careful consideration.