§ MR. T. M. HEALY (Longford, N.)asked the Chief (Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, How many Resident Magistrates it is proposed to retire; how many were retired upon the passing of the Crimes Act of 1882; how many appointments were made in consequence of the passing of the latter Act; how many who now hold office have seven years' experience; how many there are altogether; how many of those now to be retired are Catholics; and, what is the religion of the remainder?
THE PARLIAMENTARY UNDER SECRETARY (Colonel KING-HARMAN)(who replied) (Kent, Isle of Thanet)said: Five Resident Magistrates have lately been retired. It is not now proposed to retire any others. On the passing of the Crimes Act of 1882, 16 Resident Magistrates were retired and 18 new appointments made. There are at present 77 Resident Magistrates, 37 of whom have seven years' service and upwards as Resident Magistrates. Of the five Resident Magistrates retired, three are Roman Catholics and two are Protestants.
§ MR. T. M. HEALYWill the right hon. and gallant Gentleman reply to the last paragraph of the Question?
§ COLONEL KING-HARMANI have no information as to the religion of the remainder.