§ MR. DAWSONasked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Whether the Irish Government mean to dispense with the services of the special resident magistrates in Ireland, and also of the temporary resident magistrates; and, if so, when; and, whether the statement that they intend to continue some of them as special provincial or county magistrates has any foundation?
§ MR. TREVELYANSir, I am sorry to say that, by some oversight, I did not notice this Question on the Paper; but I have answered on a previous occasion that the Government were anxious to introduce a change into the present system of local police and criminal administration in Ireland, and that, later on in the Session, they intend to introduce a Bill for the purpose. When that Bill is introduced I shall be prepared to answer Questions with regard to the personal arrangements made and the gentlemen employed. The Special Resident Magistrates are only temporarily employed; and in the position in which they now are I do not conceive that Questions regarding them need be asked until the change is proposed. But if the hon. Member has any special Question to ask which I would be justified in answering, I shall be glad to answer it.