§ MR. BIGGARasked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Whether it is true that Mr. J. C. Gardner, Henry Thynne, Rodolphus Harvey, David Harrell, policemen and chiefs of the detective force, and H. A. Blake, sub-inspector of the police, all of Belfast, have been appointed judges or stipendiary magistrates in Ireland; and if such appointments are not calculated to shake the confidence of the people in the impartial administration of the Law; and, if he will place upon the Table of the House, the certificates recommending them to the office of resident magistrates?
§ THE ATTORNEY GENERAL FOR IRELAND (Mr. LAW)It is true that these gentlemen were each at the head of the Belfast branch of the detective force for some time during their services as Constabulary officers, and that they have been appointed stipendiary magistrates. They are most efficient magistrates, performing their duties in a very satisfactory manner, and their appoint. 1311 ments are in no way calculated to shake the confidence of the people in the impartial administration of the law. I do not know to what certificates the hon. Member refers. There are no such things.