MR. PATRICK O'BRIENI beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether it has come to the knowledge of the Lord Chancellor that Mr. Thomas Ferguson, J.P., of Banbridge, is one of the 529 principals in the firm of Dixon, Ferguson, and Company, linen manufacturers, of Banbridge; whether he is aware that this firm compounded with their creditors, paying only twelve shillings in the pound; and whether, under these circumstances, he intends to continue Mr. Ferguson in the Commission of the Peace and vice-guardianship of the Poor; how long has Mr. Ferguson absented himself from Petty Sessions; and for what reason did he neglect his magisterial duties in Court while acting as Vice Guardian of the Poor Law Board?
§ MR. JACKSONI am informed that the reply to the inquiry in the first paragraph of the question is in the negative. It is not a fact that the firm mentioned compounded with their creditors, paying only twelve shillings in the pound. Mr. Ferguson does not appear to have attended Banbridge Petty Sessions for some time past, but he may have performed other magisterial act. The Banbridge Petty Sessions are well attended by the local Magistrates; and this gentleman is not a Vice Guardian of the Poor Law Board.
MR. O'BRIENIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that, although this arrangement has been made, this gentleman continues to act as a Justice of the Peace, and whether the Lord Chancellor intends to take any action in the matter?
§ *MR. JACKSONI have answered the question as it stands on the Paper. I do not know anything of the local circumstances; but I think, unless the act complained of was done in Court or in connection with the discharge of magisterial duties, the Lord Chancellor would not interfere.