§ MR. MAURICE HEALYI beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury whether it is the case that arrangements are being made to increase the stamp duties payable by litigants in County Courts in Ireland; and, if so, what the reasons are for such a step?
§ MR. HANBURYIn consequence of the discovery of serious irregularities in the practice as regard fees in Irish County Courts, the Lord Chancellor of Ireland recently appointed a Committee to revise and codify the former schedule of fees and frame improved regulations. His Lordship informed the Treasury that he could not hold out any expectation of a considerable increase in the total yield as a consequence of such revision.
§ MR. MAURICE HEALYArising out of that answer, may I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether it is the fact that the stamp duties in Irish County Courts were nearly doubled in the year 1877, and whether he will, undertake that they will not now be further increased without first giving an opportunity for having the matter discussed in the House of Commons?
§ MR. HANBURYWhen the Committee of County Court Judges, who are considering the matter, make their report, I will communicate with the hon. Member with the view of meeting his wishes, if posssble.