§ Mr. J. P. FARRELLasked the Attorney-General for Ireland whether his attention has been called to the proceedings at the licensing quarter sessions for the county of Longford on Monday, 24th April; whether he is aware that the licence application of Mrs. Maria Beglan was peremptorily adjourned on that day by the county court judge in defiance of the fact that six magistrates on the bench were in favour of granting the same; and whether in such cases in future the Clerk of the Crown and Peace will be directed, when it appears to him that a majority of the justices are in favour of granting the licence, to issue his certificate to that effect without further delay?
§ Mr. REDMOND BARRYI am informed that there was an equity suit pending regarding the licensed house, and in order that the questions arising in that suit might first be determined, I understand the licensing application was adjourned for four days, from 24th April to 28th April. The magistrates sitting next to the judge, I am informed, left the matter in his hands, and it was not until the order was announced that one of the magistrates, whose presence until then the judge had not observed, made the objection referred to. The case was disposed of on 28th April, and the licence granted. 1375 It is the duty of the Clerk of the Crown and Peace to obey the court's orders, and the Government has no authority to give directions in the matter.
§ Mr. FARRELLIs he aware that the county court judge who gave the licence four days later expressly said that he would not be worried by having magistrates on the bench with him?