§ Mr. GORDONasked the Chief Secretary whether Mr. Peter Devlin, of Money-more has been appointed a magistrate for the county of Londonderry; whether Mr. Devlin was at the time of his appointment, and still is, the owner and licensee of two public-houses, one in Moneymore and one in Magherafelt; whether there is any rule or practice against the appointment of licensed publicans to the commission of the peace; and, if so, why it was departed from in this case?
§ Mr. BIRRELLMr. Peter Devlin, of Moneymore, was when appointed and is a farmer and owner of house property and also the proprietor of a hotel at Money-more. The licensee of the hotel is his sister, and she also carries on a licensed business at Magherafelt. The general 1226 practice of the Lord Chancellor is not to appoint to the commisison of the peace persons holding publicans' licences.