§ Mr. MULDOONasked the Prime Minister whether his attention had been called to the fact that the House of Lords, sitting in its appellate jurisdiction, was frequently composed of an even number of Law Lords who were equally divided in opinion on the hearing of appeals, with the result that in such cases the appeal was dismissed; and whether, in view of the inconvenience and expense to the parties involved, he would take steps, by legislation or otherwise, to see that the court should be composed of an uneven number of judges?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. McKenna) (for the Prime Minister)The Lord Chancellor informs me that the cases of an even division of opinion in the House of Lords are rare, and when this happens the decision of the Court below is affirmed. When practicable, an uneven number is to be preferred, and is at present arranged if it can be done.