§ MR. LUNDON (Limerick, E.)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether ex-policemen are eligible for the position of clerkship of petty sessions in Ireland up to the age of 45 years, whilst civilians are ineligible for the same position when they exceed 40 years; and, if so, will ho say why this preference is given to one class beyond the other.
MR. BRYCEThe general limits of ago for the appointment of Clerk of Petty Sessions are 21 and 40 years, but the higher limit is extended to 50 years in the case of ex-members of the Royal Irish Constabulary, magistrates, barristers, solicitors, solicitors' clerks, and assistants to Petty Sessions clerks. The reason for this extension is that all these persons are presumed to have already acquired a knowledge of Petty Sessions law and procedure.