§ Mr. DEVLINasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether his attention has been called to the remarks of His Honour Judge Craig, in the Recorder's Court, Belfast, on 17th November, with reference to the need for the establishment in that city of a court of conscience or a special court to deal with small debt claims; and, if so, whether he proposes to take any action in the matter?
§ Mr. BIRRELLMy attention has been called to the remark of the learned Recorder of the City of Belfast in which he referred to the court of conscience in Dublin, and suggested the establishment of a similar court in Belfast. The court of conscience in Dublin is a very ancient court deriving its original jurisdiction from immemorial usage which has been recognised by Statute. There never has been any such court in Belfast, and I doubt the necessity for establishing one (even if it were legally possible) having regard to the Small Debts Act, 1859, which gives jurisdiction to Justices at Petty Sessions in causes for the recovery of debts under the value of £2.