§ THE CHIEF SECRETARY FOR IRELAND (Mr. A. J. BALFOUR, Manchester, E.) moved for a Return showing precedents for appointing public officers to the Commission of the Peace for purposes connected with the discharge of their public duties.
§ MR. SEXTONThis is a Return which has been put down by the Chief Secretary in accordance with a demand 1320 made some time ago for information in regard to the extraordinary course which has been pursued in regard to the appointment of certain public officers to the Commission of the Peace. The House is aware that some time ago the Lord Lieutenant discharged certain gentlemen from the position of Resident Magistrates and that the Lord Chancellor of Ireland thereupon appointed them upon the Commission of the Peace so that by a side wind they continue to receive their salaries without being subjected to the constitutional review of this House.
§ * MR. SPEAKERIf there is any opposition to this Return it must stand over.
§ MR. SEXTONThen I oppose it.
§ Motion postponed.