HC Deb 15 May 1911 vol 25 cc1635-6
Mr. VINCENT KENNEDY

asked what are, the qualifications for the office of His Majesty's lord lieutenant of a county in England, Scotland, and Ireland; when was this office created in the different countries; and will he state how the offices are held?

The PRIME MINISTER

All these matters are fully explained in the ordinary books of reference, to which I must refer the hon. Member.

Mr. MacNEILL

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in Ireland the office of Lord Lieutenant is hereditary, and has been held for sixty-six years in one family and for forty by another?

The PRIME MINISTER

It is not hereditary in any other sense than that successive Ministers appoint sons of predecessors.

Mr. MacNEILL

And these hereditary gentlemen veto the magistrates.