MR. C. J. ENGLEDEWI beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he will take steps, as each opportunity may arise, to reduce the numbers of the resident magistrates in Ireland?
§ MR. GERALD BALFOURThe number of resident magistrates now employed in Ireland is considerably smaller than it was some years ago, and is the same as the number provided for in the financial year 1894–5. The requirements and interests of the public do not admit of the number being further reduced at present.