LORD ORANMORE AND BROWNE, rose to ask Her Majesty's Govern- 1440 meat for what reason a gentleman appointed to the Commission of the Peace in Ireland was charged a stamp duty of £6, while in the same circumstances there was no stamp duty charged in Scotland?
§ * EARL CADOGANI am informed that from time immemorial fees have been charged on the issue of the Commissions of the Peace in Ireland, and that these fees have been dealt with by various Acts of Parliament. The £6 at present charged is fixed by the order of the Supreme Court of Judicature, made December 26, 1877, and although popularly called a stamp duty is really a Court fee to be denoted by a Judicature fee fund stamp on the Commission, and payable to Her Majesty's Treasury. The Irish Authorities have no knowledge of the practice in regard to fees on the issue of the Commission of the Peace in Scotland.
* LORD ORANMORE AND BROWNEI cannot see that the existence of an evil is any reason why it should not be remedied. The existence of this duty is an evil, and is unfair to people in Ireland.
§ The MARQUESS OF SALISBURYPerhaps the best course would be to levy the fee in Scotland.
* LORD ORANMORE AND BROWNEI am afraid that Scotland would hardly agree with the suggestion of the noble Marquess.
House adjourned during pleasure.
House resumed: The Lord Fox ford (E. Limerick) chosen Speaker.