§ SIR T. ESMONDEI beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland if the Lord Lieutenant proposes to appoint as High Sheriffs of Irish counties any gentlemen holding Nationalist opinions in politics, with a view to the reform of the Irish Grand Jury system by the summoning of some Grand Jurors at least in sympathy 79 with the majority of the people of the country, during the coming year?
§ MR. BRYCE (for Mr. J. MORLEY)The appointments of High Sheriffs for counties in Ireland are made by the Lord Lieutenant from lists consisting of three names for each county, submitted by Her Majesty's Judges in pursuance of the practice created by the Statutes regulating the office. The Irish Government have, therefore, no power of choice except as between the three names submitted.
§ SIR T. ESMONDEIf Lord Lieutenants can dismiss High Sheriffs why cannot they appoint them?
§ MR. SEXTONThe right hon. Gentleman has spoken of Statutes regulating the office. Is it not a fact that the practice of appointment in Ireland is regulated not by Statute, but by usage?
§ MR. COHEN (Islington, E.)Is it the practice of the Judges, before submitting the names, to inquire into the political opinions of the gentlemen who bear those names?
§ MR. T. M. HEALY (Louth, N.)Do I gather that these appointments rest by Statute?
§ MR. BRYCEIf it is desired to know whether it is Statute modified by usage I will make further inquiry.
§ MR. T. M. HEALYCan the right hon. Gentleman refer us to any Statute governing these matters?