§ MR. TRITTON (Lambeth, Norwood)I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury if he is aware of the deficient accommodation in the Literary Search Department of the Probate Registry, that the room set apart holds only about 12 students, that seats have to be booked a week ahead, and then only two in each week, and that the room is closed for six weeks in August, September, or October; and whether he can make more satisfactory and convenient arrangements for literary inquirers?
§ MR. HANBURYThe President of the Probate Division informs me that he is endeavouring by rearrangement to provide two more seats than at present. I understand that it is not possible, owing to the character of the building, to add any space, to the existing rooms or to provide accommodation elsewhere. The obstacle to opening the Literary Search Department all the year round is stated to be the impossibility of providing the necessary supervision and attendance without adding to the existing staff of the Registry. But the hours of attendance of the staff during the long vacation, which had a few years before been extended from four to six on five days of the week in accordance with the recommendation of a Committee of Inquiry, were reduced last year from six to four in opposition to the wishes of the Treasury. In view of that proceeding I cannot regard an increase of staff as essential for the present purpose. But the decision as to the facilities to be afforded to the public rests with the President, and not with the Treasury.