§ MR. R, W. PERKS (Lincolnshire, Louth)I beg to ask Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the reason why the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council have not given judgment in the case as to the validity of marriages in Malta, which was finally argued before the Council on 20th February 1894; and whether, seeing that the ancient practice whereby the Governor of Malta has issued licences empowering the Protestant clergy in Malta to solemnise mixed marriages, when the parties so desired, has been suspended for upwards of five years, in order that the decision of the Judicial Committee might at the instance of the Government be obtained, he can take any steps to expedite the delivery of judgment by the Privy Council?
§ THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUERThe Government have no control in any way over the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council. I cannot answer in any way for them.
§ MR. PERKSMay I inquire whether the Government will instruct the Governor to resume the issuing of licences?
§ THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUERI am afraid I am not sufficiently acquainted with the question to answer.