HC Deb 17 January 1902 vol 101 cc177-8
MR. SWIFT MACNEILL

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he will state what is the profession or what has been the previous employment of Mr. Fitzpatrick, who has just been appointed a resident magistrate in Ireland, and what has been Mr. Fitzpatrick's training for the duties of the office to which he has been appointed. Will he state what steps the Lord Lieutenant has taken to satisfy himself of Mr. Fitzpatrick's legal knowledge; and, if it be not injurious to the public interest, will he say what are the qualifications of this gentleman for this office.

THE CHIEF SECRETARY FOR IRELAND (Mr. WYNDHAM,) Dover

Mr. Fitzpatrick has been in the Commission of the Peace, and has regularly discharged the duties of a Magistrate in Petty Sessions. His local knowledge and ex- perience in magisterial duties have satisfied the Lord Lieutenant of his fitness to fill the position of Resident Magistrate to which he has been appointed.

MR. SWIFT MACNEILL

Is he a poor relation of the right hon. Gentleman?

[No answer was returned.]