§ Mr. WATTasked the Secretary to the Treasury whether Lords of Appeal are permitted by their appointments to act as arbitrators in cases of dispute; if so, can they, accept remuneration for such work; and is any Return got by his Department to show how many times they have so acted, and what sums have been paid them?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the TREASURY (Mr. Masterman)I understand that there is nothing in the Letters Patent on which Lords of Appeal are appointed which would prevent them acting as arbitrators or accepting remuneration for such work. I have no information with regard to the latter part of the question.
§ Mr. WATTCan the hon. Gentleman say whether they do actually act; was there not a proposal last year to make fresh appointments of judges to cover the work of the Department?
§ Mr. MASTERMANI cannot say. I shall be glad to receive any information the hon. Gentleman can give me on the subject.