§ MR. MEEHANTo ask the Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that the work of the Registry of Deeds, Dublin, has increased by 30 per cent. during the past six years, owing chiefly to negotiation under the Land Purchase Act; that dissatisfaction prevails amongst the existing staff due to the strain thus put upon them without any corresponding remuneration and to the 831 organisation of the office; and whether the Treasury will give the claims of the staff an early consideration.
§ Mr. MEEHANTo ask the Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware if a memorial from the staff of the Registry of Deeds, Dublin, was forwarded to the registrar for transmission to the Treasury on the 4th January, 1906, whether the transmission of the memorial has been delayed through the absence of the registrar, the assistant registrar not having authority to deal with the matter; and whether, in the event of the illness of the head of the department proving to be protracted, steps are to be taken to have this matter dealt with.
§ (Answered by Mr. Runciman.) I am aware that there has been a considerable increase in the work of the Registry of Deeds, but I have no reason to think that this increase has put any undue strain on the staff. I understand that the memorial referred to was forwarded to the Registrar for transmission to the Treasury on 4th January, 1907. The Registrar was at that date, and has since been, precluded by illness from attending to business. In the event of his illness proving to be protracted, and the memorial being forwarded to the Treasury by the Assistant Registrar, it will be taken into consideration.