MR. O'CONNOR POWERasked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, If it is true, as alleged, that the attendance of magistrates at the petty sessions court held at Ballyhannis, county Mayo, is very irregular, and inflicts considerable inconvenience on those who are summoned; and, if true, whether steps will be taken to ensure the regular attendance of magistrates in future?
§ MR. W. E. FORSTERIn reply to the Question of the hon. Member, I have to say that I find that on nine occasions in the past year the petty sessions referred to could not be held, owing to the non-attendance of magistrates. The Irish Government have called the attention of the lord lieutenant of the county to the inconvenience arising from that fact. I am not aware that we have further power in the matter; but I will confer with my noble and learned Friend the Lord Chancellor of Ireland on the subject.