HC Deb 26 June 1905 vol 148 cc99-100
MR. MACVEAGH

I beg to ask the Chief. Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he can state what official informed him as to the number and religious composition of the justices of the peace in Limavady, county Derry; and whether he can state the names of the six Episcopalians, three presbyterians, and one Catholic on the Bench in that district.

MR. WALTER LONG

The information was procured from the Clerk of the Crown and Hanaper, who obtained it by private inquiry, there being no official record of the religious persuasion of magistrates. Further inquiry has since been made, from which it appears that the magistrate who was believed to be a Catholic is not one. The composition of the Bench should be returned as six members of the Irish Church, four Presbyterians, and one Methodist. It is not the practice to state the names of the individuals belonging to each religious denomination. The Lord Chancellor is always glad to consider the names of properly qualified gentlemen which may be brought before him.