HC Deb 01 June 1911 vol 26 cc1200-1
Mr. LARDNER

asked whether collectors of Income Tax are ineligible for the Commission of the Peace in Ireland; and, if so, when this disqualification was introduced?

Mr. BIRRELL

The Lord Chancellor informs me that it is the practice not to appoint to the Commission of the Peace persons holding the office of a Collector of Taxes whether of Income Tax, Poor Rate, or County Rate, and this practice has been in existence from a remote period.

Mr. LARDNER

Have not several Income Tax collectors in Ireland been appointed in the last ten years?

Mr. BIRRELL

I only give the information that I receive from the Lord Chancellor. It must have been by inadvertence if it was done.

Mr. LARDNER

Will the right hon. Gentleman take steps to see that this inadvertence is not repeated?

Mr. BIRRELL

I do not know whether a collector of taxes is a good magistrate or not. I should like to have time to consider it.