§ MR. DILLON (Mayo, E.)asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Whether Mr. Cecil Roche, a temporary R.M., dismissable on three months' notice, has recently been promoted to the permanent staff over the heads of his seniors; and, whether the names of Resident Magistrates have been this year for the first time published alphabetically, instead of in order of seniority, as was the practice for 50 years; and, if so, for what object was the change made?
§ THE PARLIAMENTARY UNDER SECRETARY (Colonel KING-HARMAN) (Kent, Isle of Thanet)(who replied) said: Mr. Roche has recently been made a permanent Resident Magistrate on the occurrence of a vacancy, which was the intention when he was originally appointed, as his previous training seemed to fully qualify him for the appointment, he having been a barrister 1427 of some years standing, and also a legal Sub-Commissioner. It is the case that some of the temporary Resident Magistrates had been originally appointed as such a short time before him. The names of Resident Magistrates have not been this year for the first time published alphabetically; such a list has always been published. The seniority list is one which is used for Departmental purposes.
§ MR. DILLONWill the right hon. and gallant Gentleman state at what date Mr. Roche was appointed, and for what reason he was appointed over the heads of seniors; and, also, whether it is true that the seniority list which used to be published in the Directory has now been superseded, and replaced by an alphabetical list?
§ COLONEL KING - HARMANthe hon. Member did not ask in his original Question when Mr. Roche was appointed. He asked whether he was recently made a permanent Resident Magistrate. As to the question of the seniority list, it has always, I believe, been kept for Departmental purposes.
§ MR. DILLONI beg to give Notice that I shall put a further Question on the Paper in reference to this matter.