§ MR. P. J. POWER (Waterford, E.)asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Whether the police in the County Waterford have, in some instances, refused to serve notices on jurors issued by the Deputy Sheriff appointed, by Sir Thomas Esmonde prior to the date on which Sir Thomas Esmonde received the communication from the Lords Justices purporting to remove him from the position of High Sheriff; and, if so, on what grounds; and, on what grounds the Irish Government took exception, to the appointment of Mr. L. C. Strange, solicitor, as Sub-Sheriff by Sir Thomas Esmonde, and on what day they 1082 decided that such appointment was objectionable?
§ THE CHIEF SECRETARY (Sir MICHAEL HICKS-BEACH) (Bristol, W.)I am informed that the police did not refuse to serve any notices on jurors issued by the Deputy Sheriff prior to the date of Sir Thomas Esmonde's receiving the communication from the Lords Justices. They would not be justified in serving notices issued by the Deputy Sheriff after that date. Mr. Strange had identified himself with the Plan of Campaign by attending and speaking at meetings, and his appointment was part of the previous conduct of Sir Thomas Esmonde referred to in the letter of the Lord Justices of February 21.
§ MR. P. J. POWERMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he has not approved of the appointment of the Sub - Sheriff of Dublin County, who earned an unenviable notoriety in connection with the Tory Party seven years ago?
§ SIR MICHAEL HICKS-BEACHIt is not my duty to approve or disapprove of the appointment of a Sub-Sheriff. The Government can only act with regard to a Sub - Sheriff through the medium of the Sheriff who appoints him.