§ MR. T. FRY (Darlington)asked the Secretary of State for the Homo Department, If it is a fact that, at the last Brewster Sessions, held at Jarrow, of the 11 magistrates present two were disqualified under the Municipal Corporations Act by non-residence (one at Cheltenham and one at Corbridge), and who, notwithstanding attention was called at the time to their disqualification, adjudicated at the said Brewster Sessions; if one of these magistrates is an owner of public house property in Jarrow, and the other was formerly a wine and spirit merchant there; if at these Sessions a transfer of a licence was granted by a majority of one from a small public house to a large hotel and tavern now in course of construction, which is thereby enhanced in value to the extent of about £2,000, and which is situated in the centre of the town, adjoining the Mechanics' Institute; if this licence was granted contrary to the representations of the clergy and many other influential inhabitants, and contrary to the vote of the majority of the magistrates present at the Brewster Sessions who are not disqualified; whether this licence granted under these circumstances is valid; and, what steps are intended to be taken by the removal of the said magistrates from the Commission or otherwise, to prevent licences being granted illegally at the next and future Brewster Sessions?
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE (Mr. MATTHEWS) (Birmingham, E.), in reply, said, that the Clerk of the Sessions being at present abroad, and not leaving his address, could not be communicated with. Therefore, he had been unable to obtain the necessary information. When, however, he did so it would receive the fullest consideration; and if he thought the Lord Chancellor ought to be communicated with on the subject he would.