HC Deb 18 July 1905 vol 149 cc1075-6
MR. JAMES O'CONNOR

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that in the Probate Court, Dublin, there is a functionary known as the "clerk of the seat," whose annual salary is £439 4s.; whether he can give the name of this employee; whether he can state what his duties are; how many days in the year, and for how many hours each day he is engaged in the discharge of his duties; and whether he is entitled to a pension.

*THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY OF THE TREASURY (Mr. VICTOR CAVENDISH, Derbyshire, W.)

There is no longer any such office in the Principal Probate Registry. The corresponding place is now filled by Mr. Marrable, a first-class clerk. His salary, like that of other-first class clerks, is £350—£15— £450, and he has reached his maximum salaryof £450. His duties are concerned with the grants of Probate and Letters of Administration. He is engaged on his duties during the whole year with the exception of the vacation of two months which is allowed to the clerks-under the Act 22–23 Vic. cap. 31, sec. 31,. and the public holidays as set forth in Order 63 (4) of the Rules of the Supreme Court, Ireland, 1905. He is entitled to a pension. The office hours are 11 to 4 ordinarily and 11 to 2 during the long; vacation.

MR. JAMES O'CONNOR

In whose gift is this appointment?

*MR. VICTOR CAVENDISH

I must ask for notice of that Question.

MR. JAMES O'CONNOR

What is the meaning of "clerk of the seat?"

MR. VICTOR CAVENDISH

That has been explained in my Answer.