§ Mr. COURTHOPEasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if any appointment to the vacant Lord Justiceship of Appeal in Ireland has yet been made, and, if not, if he is aware that the promotion of a puisne judge of the King's Bench Division would automatically provide an annual amount of £3,500 for the purposes of the Irish Labourers Acts; and, if in view of this, the Government will advise that this course be followed?
§ Mr. BIRRELLNo appointment has yet been made to the vacant Lord Justiceship. I am aware that the promotion of a puisne judge of the King's Bench Division would have the effect stated. The Government will keep in view all the considerations which may properly be taken into account in the appointment of a Lord Justice.
§ Mr. J. B. LONSDALEIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Court of Appeal is undermanned?
§ Mr. BIRRELLNo, Sir; the Lord Chancellor presides over the Court of Appeal, and I presume there is no reason to anticipate any loss to the public service.
§ Mr. LONSDALEWill the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance that public considerations will not be ignored in order to avoid a doubtful bye-election?
§ Mr. BIRRELLI can assure the hon. Gentleman that public considerations will not be ignored for a moment.