HC Deb 24 January 1918 vol 101 cc1131-2
12. Mr. M'KEAN

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he can furnish statistics as to the number of cases tried in the Superior Courts, Dublin, during the past five years; and whether, having regard to the shrinkage in the number of lawsuits entered for hearing in the Four Courts within the period specified, he will advise His Majesty's Government, as a measure of war economy, not to fill the judicial vacancy created by the recent retirement of Sir Plunket Barton from the bench?

Mr. DUKE

The hon. Member will find portion of the particulars he requires in the volumes of the Judicial Statistics (Ireland) for the years 1913–15. The statistics for 1916 have not yet been published, and the statistics for 1917 have not been compiled. No steps have at present been taken for filling the vacancy. The considerations suggested in the question will be borne in mind when that matter comes to be dealt with.

13. Mr. M'KEAN

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he will give particulars as to the following matters: The number of County Court judges in Ireland, what their average salaries are, and for what periods of the year they are actually employed in the duties of their office; and if he will consider the desirability, according as vacancies occur in the judgeships referred to, of amalgamating the areas of jurisdiction without any loss to the public welfare and convenience?

Mr. DUKE

There arc five recorders in Ireland with salaries varying from £1,500 to £2,400 a year, and sixteen County Court judges, with salaries of £1,400 a year each. Sessions and Civil Bill Courts are held four times a year, and the number of days on which the judges are actually employed depends upon the amount of business at the different Sessions, and varies considerably in each county. The number of days on which the County Court judges are actually employed is not recorded. Legislation would be necessary to make any change in the number of judges and the areas over which they have jurisdiction, and it is not proposed to introduce such legislation at present.

Mr. M'KEAN

Could the right hon. Gentleman say what cases there are in which County Court judges have jurisdiction over several counties—I would like an example?

Mr. DUKE

There are sixteen County Court judges and thirty-two counties in Ireland.

Mr. M'KEAN

Two counties do not constitute several.