§ MR. MACVEAGH (Down, S.)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that the rules for the appointment of clerks of petty sessions provide that policemen and others up to the age of fifty years are eligible to compete, whilst civilians over the age of forty years are disqualified; and, if so, whether he will take steps to either raise the limit for all candidates, or to place policemen on a level with candidates who have not been in receipt of public money.
§ MR. WYNDHAMThe age limit of fifty years applies also to civilians, such as practising barristers, solicitors, clerks, and justices of the peace. These persons and retired officers of the constabulary possess a special knowledge of the duties of petty sessions clerk, and the limit was designedly extended to secure their services. It is not proposed to raise the limit in the case of other persons not so qualified.
§ MR. MACVEAGHIs it the opinion of the right hon. Gentleman that a policeman past the age of fifty years is fit to become a petty sessions clerk?
§ MR. WYNDHAMUnder the maximum of fifty, yes.