§ Mr. LONSDALEasked the Chief Secretary whether, in order to remove doubts which have arisen, he will issue instructions to all who have to administer oaths in courts of justice that witnesses who object to take the oath in the new form sanctioned by the Oaths Act, 1909, shall have the oath administered to them either in the old form by kissing the book, or, if 1463W they prefer it, in the Scotch form by holding up the right hand, authorised by Section 5 of the Oaths Act, 1888.
§ Mr. BIRRELLA circular has been issued to petty sessions clerks and coroners calling attention to the Oaths Act, 1909, and pointing out that in the case of any person objecting to be sworn in the manner prescribed in that Act, the oath may be administered in any form which is now lawful. No instructions on the subject was issued to officers of the Supreme Court or of the county courts, who perform their duties in such matters under the directions of the presiding judge.