HC Deb 29 May 1883 vol 279 c1102
MR. MOLLOY

asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, If it is true that, in the King's County, of the thirteen Deputy-Lieutenants only one is a Catholic, and of the ninety-two Justices of the Peace only six are Catholics; and, whether, since nearly ninety per cent of the inhabitants are Catholics, the Irish Government will appoint Catholics to future vacancies?

MR. TREVELYAN

Sir, the Government has no official knowledge of the religious persuasions of Deputy Lieutenants or Justices of the Peace. A Return is at present being prepared, in compliance with an Order of this House, which will give some information on the subject. I must remind the hon. Member that the selection of gentlemen for appointment as Deputy Lieutenants is not made by the Government. With regard to the magistrates, I will draw the attention of the Lord Chancellor to the fact of this Question having been asked.