HL Deb 17 February 1873 vol 214 cc536-7
THE EARL OF LEITRIM

asked Her Majesty's Government, When the Court of Land Cases Reserved at Dublin will make rules for the registration of improvements under the Landlord and Tenant (Ireland) Act, 1870, in the Landed Estates Court; and when the Government intend to appoint a second Judge to the Landed Estates Court? The noble Earl stated that, although two years and a-half had elapsed, no rules had yet been made, and great confusion would arise unless they were speedily framed. Under existing circumstances, when there was so much property coming under the operation of the Act, he thought it highly desirable that another Judge should be appointed.

THE MARQUESS OF LANSDOWNE

said, that the Court for Land Cases Reserved had already made the rules referred to by the noble Earl. It was not the intention of Her Majesty's Government to fill up the vacant judgeship; but it would be necessary to introduce a Bill for the abolition of one judgeship, and also to provide for the duties of the remaining Judge during temporary absence. When this Bill came before their Lordships the noble Earl would have a convenient opportunity of offering such criticisms as he might think fit on the abolition of the one judgeship, and the Government of replying to those criticisms.

THE EARL OF LONGFORD

asked when the Bill would be introduced?

THE MARQUESS OF LANSDOWNE

could not answer the question of the noble Earl, nor could he say the Bill would be introduced in their Lordships' House in the first instance.