HC Deb 21 March 1899 vol 68 cc1563-4
MAJOR JAMESON (Clare, W.)

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether postmasters and sub-postmasters are eligible for election to the new county and district councils?

THE CHIEF SECRETARY TO THE LORD LIEUTENANT OF IRELAND (Mr. GERALD W. BALFOUR,) Leeds, Central

There is nothing in the Local Government Act disqualifying the officers named from being elected county or district councillors. This disqualification will depend on the regulations of the Post Office Service. As already stated by me, in answer to a Question of my honourable and gallant Friend the Member for North Armagh, I have been informed that it would be contrary to the regulations issued by the Postmaster-General for postmasters to take any part in such elections except to record their votes.

MR. MACALEESE (Monaghan, N.)

I beg to ask Mr. Attorney-General for Ireland, could a sub-postmaster, if elected to the position of distinct councillor, legally take his seat and share in transacting the business of the Board?

THE ATTORNEY-GENERAL FOR IRELAND (Mr. ATKINSON, Londonderry, N.)

I have nothing to add to the reply just given by my right honourable Friend to the similar Question put to him by the honourable Member for West Clare.