HC Deb 31 July 1905 vol 150 c935
MR. SWIFT MACNEILL

I beg to ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster when did the late Vice-Chancellor of the Duchy retire from that position; why has not the Vice-Chancellorship been filled up; and why has Mr. Hopkinson, K. C., the Principal of Owen's College, Manchester, since January, 1898, who has since then ceased to practise at the Bar, been appointed to discharge temporarily the duties of the office; and whether the post is to be offered to a Member of this House.

* THE CHANCELLOR OF THE DUCHY OF LANCASTER (Sir WILLIAM WALROND, Devonshire, Tiverton)

The late Vice - Chancellor of the County Palatine resigned on June 19th, 1905. I appointed Mr. Hopkinson to act as my deputy on account of arrears of work in the Palatine Court, owing to Sir Samuel Hall's illness, and he has consented to act until the long vacation. As the office is an important one, I have taken time to consider the claims of those eligible for it. I propose to make an appointment shortly.

MR. SWIFT MACNEILL

said he understood the appointment was to be given to the hon. Member for the Eccles Division of Lancashire, and asked whether the right hon. Gentleman had any precedent for keeping open a judicial appointment until it was convenient for the Government to give it to a Member of that House, who had at the last election a small majority. Was it not an evasion of the privileges of the House?

* MR. SPEAKER

I think not.

* SIR WILLIAM WALROND

This appointment rests entirely in my hands.

SIR LEES KNOWLES (Salford, W.)

And there have been many applications for it.