§ MR. E. CARSONI beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, whether the Law Officers in Ireland are under any restrictions as to private practice similar 575 to those adopted in England and Scotland; and, if not, whether the Treasury intend to impose such restrictions.
§ * Mr. HANBURYThe answer to the first question is in the negative. As to the second question, the matter has not been brought before the Treasury, and it would therefore be premature to say what course will be adopted with regard to future appointments.
§ MR. DALZIELI should like to ask whether the assumption in the question is correct, that private practice is prohibited so far as the Scotch Law Officers are concerned, and whether, in view of the fact that the right hon. Gentleman himself brought forward a Motion in favour of the prohibition of private practice only a few months ago, it is now his intention to carry his views into effect?
§ * MR. HANBURYThis is not a Treasury matter, so far as I am concerned; as regards the Scotch appointments, the information given to me was that the Scotch Officers were not allowed to take private practice except under restrictions.
§ MR. DALZIELI would further ask the right hon. Gentleman whether, in view of the fact that this is the first intimation that we have had as to the prohibition of private practice by the Scotch Law Officers, it is possible for a minute to be laid on the Table?
MR. T. M. HEALYSurely we are entitled to an answer from the right hon. Gentleman. Why is there a distinction between England and Ireland; why is it a Treasury matter in England, and a non-Treasury matter in Ireland?
§ * MR. HANBURYI am afraid I cannot answer that question off-hand. If the hon. Gentleman will put it down on the Paper I shall be very glad to answer it afterwards.