HC Deb 02 July 1900 vol 85 cc271-2
MR. LYTTELTON (Warwick and Leamington)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has any information respecting the views of the Australian Governments as to additional judicial appointments in connection with the passing of the Federation Bill.

MR. J. CHAMBERLAIN

I informed the House at the end of the Committee stage of the Commonwealth Bill, in reply to a question from the right hon. Member for the Stirling Burghs, that I was in communication with the Australian colonies through the Australian delegates as to their wishes in regard to the proposed appointment of four additional law Lords, pending the consideration of the question of establishing a Supreme Court for the whole Empire. The delegates had given me to understand that the proposed measure should not be proceeded with, and that Her Majesty's Government should as soon as possible in consultation with the colonies, consider the larger question of a representative supreme tribunal for the whole of Her Majesty's dominions. The delegates placed themselves in communication with the Colonial Premiers in regard to the matter, and I have now received the following telegrams—

"From Governor Earl Beauchamp.

"Dated 26th June, 1900.

"Additional Colonial judicial positions. Prime Minister of New South Wales has been in communication with other colonies for some time. New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, and Queensland prefer to wait passing permanent comprehensive measure. No reply received from Tasmania and Western Australia."

"From Earl Beauchamp.

"Dated 29th June, 1900.

"Referring to my telegram of 26th June, additional judicial positions, my Ministers advise that Tasmania and Western Australia prefer permanent scheme."

In those circumstances, of course, Her Majesty's Government will not proceed with the Bill which they intended to bring in for the purpose of providing four additional Judges; but they will take the earliest opportunity of consulting with the colonies—including, of course, Canada and New Zealand—with regard to the establishment of a permanent Court.