MR. O'KEEFFE (Limerick, City)asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Whether his attention has been called to the fact that only one Roman Catholic was empanelled on the last Spring Assizes Grand Jury for Clare; and, whether, considering the overwhelming majority of the Catholic population of Clare, 95 per cent, and that very numerous persons of that faith are entitled by their valuations to serve as Grand Jurors, he will recommend a more liberal selection in future of Grand Jurors for the fiscal and criminal administration of Clare?
§ THE CHIEF SECRETARY (Mr. A. J. BALFOUR) (Manchester, E.)I have no knowledge as to the matters of fact stated in the Question. The Government have no power to make any recommendation as to the selection of persons to servo as Grand Jurors to High Sheriffs, who are entrusted by law with the duty of empanelling Grand Jurors, subject only to the directions contained in the Grand Jury Act.