§ Mr. HERBERT CRAIGasked the President of the Local Government Board whether he is aware that the office of Registrar of Deeds for the East Riding of Yorkshire has been vacant since December, 1908, and that under the Yorkshire Registries Act, 1884, it is the duty of the East Riding County Council to appoint a duly qualified registrar; and whether he will draw the attention of the East Riding County Council to the fact that they have not as yet taken any steps to perform their statutory duty, and suggest that an appointment be made as required by the Act without further delay?
§ Mr. BURNSI am aware that the office mentioned in the question has been vacant for some time past, and that it is the duty of the county council to appoint a duly qualified person to fill it. The subject is not one with respect to which I have any authority over the county council. I drew the attention of the Lord Chancellor to my hon. Friend's question, but I find that he disclaims any jurisdiction in the matter, except as to approving a name if submitted to him. I do not think I can interfere, except by sending a copy of the question to the county council. This I will do.