HC Deb 19 April 1910 vol 16 cc1886-7
Mr. MacVEAGH

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he can state in what part of the Parliamentary Return on Government Servants (Ireland) the names will be found of those appointed to offices in the Four Courts, Dublin?

The CHIEF SECRETARY for IRELAND (Mr. Birrell)

The officers of the Supreme Court in Ireland are not under the control of the Irish Government, and I understand that the Lord Chancellor held that the Order of the House of Commons for the Return in question did not apply to them.

Mr. MacVEAGH

Do they mot come under the heading of persons employed in Government Departments in Ireland?

Mr. BIRRELL

The Lord Chancellor thought that they were not in Government Departments, and consequently they Are not in the Parliamentary Returns.

Mr. MacVEAGH

Can the Chief Secretary say who pays the salaries?

Mr. BIRRELL

The salaries are paid out of public money.

Mr. MacVEAGH

If the salaries are paid out of public money, how can the Lord Chancellor arrive at the conclusion that these persons are not public servants?

Mr. BIRRELL

I am afraid that the Lord Chancellor does not agree with my hon. Friend.

Mr. MacVEAGH

Will the right hon. Gentleman say that he does not agree with him?

Mr. HAZLETON

Will the right hon. Gentleman ask the Lord Chancellor to reconsider this matter?

Mr. BIRRELL

Yes, I will approach the Lord Chancellor on the matter.