COMMITTEE. (Hansard, 11 June 1874)

THE EARL OF BELMORE
moved to omit the word "seven," and to substi-"eight"—his object being, he said, to secure for the Landed Estates Court the 1400 services of a second Judge, who, however, might also be made available for one or other of the Departments of the High Court. When the Common Law Judges were reduced from 12 to 10, he proposed that an additional Judge should be appointed to assist the Judge of the Landed Estates Court.

THE LORD CHANCELLOR
said, the question of appointing an additional Judge of the Landed Estates Court had been considered by Her Majesty's Government. He had had the pleasure of receiving a deputation from the body to which the noble Earl had referred upon the subject. He asked them whether there was any arrear in that Court, or whether there had been any delay in the administration of justice. Their reply was, No. He had also received a copy of a note sent to the Chief Secretary for Ireland by the learned Judge who presided over the Court, which stated that there were no arrears whatever, nor was the regular business of the Court beyond the power of the Judge and his officers to dispose of. In such a state of things the noble Earl would judge whether it was the duty of Her Majesty's Government to appoint another Judge.

THE EARL OF BELMORE
proposed to reduce the number of Divisions from "five" to "four," and to place the Judge of the Court of Probate and for Matrimonial Causes and the Court of Admiralty under the Common Pleas Division.

THE LORD CHANCELLOR
said, he thought there was much to be said in favour of the proposal of his noble Friend. He would consider the matter carefully before the Report.