HC Deb 16 March 1894 vol 22 cc438-9
MR. M'GILLIGAN (Fermanagh, S.)

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland if he is aware that there are only 63 Magistrates usually resident in the County of Fermanagh, and 22 non-resident; of the total number (85) 73 are Protestants, 3 Methodists, and 9 Roman Catholics; if, also, 51 are composed of landed proprietors, land agents, Naval, Military, and Militia officers; also that a largo number of names of qualified gentlemen have been submitted for the approval of the Lord Chancellor, accompanied with a request for their appointment as Magistrates, from the districts of Lisnaskea, Brookboro, Lettercreen, and other places in Fermanagh; and that on several occasions a Court of Petty Sessions could not be held in Brookboro, Newtown butler, and other districts in Fermanagh, owing to the non-attendance of Magistrates; and are there any steps likely to be taken, and when, to remedy the condition of this Bench?

THE CHIEF SECRETARY FOR IRELAND (Mr. J. MORLEY,) Newcastle-upon-Tyne

It is the fact that there are only 63 Magistrates usually resident in the County of Fermanagh and 22 non-resident. Of the total number (85) 73 are Protestants, three Methodists, and nine Roman Catholics; also 51 are composed of landed proprietors, land agents, Naval, Military, and Militia officers. On one occasion during the year 1893 there was no Court of Petty Sessions held at Brookboro owing to the absence of Magistrates; on another occasion there was no Magistrate in attendance at Newtownbutler; and at Irvinestown the business of Petty Sessions fell through on four occasions in the same period and for the same reason. Five Magistrates have been appointed within the last few days, and of these two can sit at Newtownbutler, two at Lottercreen, one at Brookboro, and one at Lisnaskea. The Lord Chancellor has informed me that he hopes very shortly to be able to make some additional appointments.