HC Deb 19 April 1888 vol 324 cc1708-9
MR. P. J. POWER(for Mr. R. POWER) (Waterford)

asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, If he is aware that the great Charter of the City of Waterford, granted by King Charles I., provides that the name of the Mayor shall always be included in the Assizes Commission of the City of Waterford; and, if so, can he explain why the name of the Mayor of Waterford was not included in the Commission for the present Spring Assizes, in accordance with the terms of the Charter, and with a custom which has existed for so many years?

THE CHIEF SECRETARY (Mr. A. J. BALFOUR) (Manchester, E.)

The names of Mayors of municipal towns are not now included in Commissions of Assize. The custom of including Mayors in such Commissions had long since become practically unmeaning, and it has been accordingly abandoned. The question as to the legality of the course taken depends not upon the provision of the Charter of the City of Waterford, but on the enactments contained in the Irish Judicature Act passed in the year 1877.

MR. P. J. POWER

What were the reasons which led to the change?

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

The reasons were set forth in my answer, and will also be found to exist in England.