§ MR. S. YOUNG (Cavan, E.)I beg to ask the Attorney General for Ireland whether the magistrates of the Bailieborough Petty Sessions District, in the county of Cavan, have acted legally in electing by a majority of one Mr. J. Butler Stopford, of Oristown, county Meath, a licensed publican, and a man in his 41st year, to the office of petty sessions clerk for said district, contrary to the Lord Lieutenant's circular in that behalf addressed to them by the Registrar of Petty Sessions Clerks in Ireland, containing instructions for their guidance and direction; whether the said magistrates were advised by the Chairman, Mr. Starkie, R.M. (who voted against the eligibility of the said J. B. 274 Stopford on the ground of age) to adhere to and observe the rules laid down for their guidance by the Law Officers of the Crown; and whether His Excellency will, in the circumstances, fiat an election held in disregard to his directions, and contrary to the advice of the resident magistrate as contained in said circular; and if in future licensed publicans are to be included in the list of privileged persons, such as retired district inspectors and head constables, in whose favour the limit of age for the office is to be extended?
§ THE ATTORNEY GENERAL FOR IRELAND (Mr. J. ATKINSON,) Londonderry, N.The election of Mr. Stopford under the circumstances stated in the Question was invalid, and the Lord Lieutenant informed the Registrar of Petty Session clerks some days ago that there must, be a fresh election. A licensed publican is debarred by Statute from being appointed to a Petty Sessions clerkship.