§ MR. CHANNING (Northamptonshire, E.)asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether a new rule had been made that Resident Magistrates were only to remain for five years at one station; whether this rule would be applied universally; and, if not, on what grounds exceptions would be made; how many magistrates had served for more than five years at one station, and had not been removed; and how many, under the same circumstances, had been removed?
§ MR. MADDENThere is no rule which implies that Resident Magistrates are to remain for any fixed period at one station. But the fact of a Resident Magistrate having been more than five years at one station renders his case liable for consideration for transfer.
§ MR. CHANNINGThe hon. and learned Gentleman has not answered the last paragraph of the question.
§ MR. MADDENI have already stated that there is no rule of the kind. I have not yet had time to obtain special information; but if, after my statement that there is no such rule the hon. Member asks for further information, I shall be glad to get it.