HC Deb 28 March 1906 vol 154 cc1267-8
SIR EDWARD CARSON (Dublin University)

I beg to ask Mr. Attorney-General for Ireland whether he will consider the propriety of testing the validity of the appointment of Mr. Wright as registrar of titles in the County of Cork, by proceedings in the High Court of Justice, before moving the Second Reading of the Local Registration of Titles (Ireland) Bill.

THE ATTORNEY-GENERAL FOR IRELAND (Mr. CHERRY,) Liverpool, Exchange

It is extremely undesirable in the public interest to delay the passing of the Bill now before the House by any proceedings such as are suggested in the Question, inasmuch as the Government are advised that Mr. Wright was not clerk of the Crown and Peace for the county of Cork so as to be capable of being appointed registrar of titles for the county of Cork under Section 4 of the Act of 1891 (Local Registration of Title (Ireland) Act).

SIR EDWARD CARSON

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that Mr. Wright has been advised by very eminent counsel in Ireland that he is properly appointed?

MR. CHERRY

I am not aware of it.

SIR EDWARD CARSON

In view of it will you reconsider your decision?

MR. CHERRY

I am afraid it is impossible for me to do that.

SIR EDWARD CARSON

I beg to ask Mr. Attorney-General for Ireland whether he will place upon the Table of the House the terms of appointment of Mr. Wright as registrar of titles, and any correspondence which has passed between him and the Lord Chancellor of Ireland or the Chief Secretary's Department with reference to such appointment.

MR. CHERRY

As the right hon. Gentleman is aware, a Bill has been introduced dealing with the local registration of title in the county of Cork, and I propose on the Second Reading of the Bill to state the terms of Mr. Wright's appointment, which the Government have been advised is invalid under the existing law. I propose also to refer to the correspondence which has passed on the subject. I shall be very glad to show these documents to the right hon. Gentleman at any time he wishes, but I do not think it necessary to place them upon the Table of the House.

SIR EDWARD CARSON

How are Members of the House who are not acquainted with this document to form an opinion as to the legality of this gentleman's appointment unless they see the document?

MR. SWIFT MACNEILL

Is it the same as the Dudley correspondence?

[MR. CHERRY'S Answer was inaudible.]