MARQUESS of TULLIBARDINEasked if the number of deputies-lieutenant in any one county in Scotland is limited; whether a deputy-lieutenant has to have certain qualifications before appointment; whether, after appointment, though he may cease to hold these qualifications or may be living permanently abroad, he may still retain the office and prevent a successor being appointed; and whether he will make representations to the proper quarter in order that this arrangement, which may be prejudicial to good local administration, may cease?
§ Colonel SEELYThe number of deputy-lieutenants in each county is limited. A deputy-lieutenant must, on appointment, be resident in the county, must be qualified by military service as a commissioned officer or by service in a county association, and under Section 33, Militia Act, 1882, must have certain property qualifications. Residence abroad subsequent to appointment does not create statutory disqualification. The loss of the qualifications under Section 33 would render a deputy-lieutenant liable to the penalties under Section 35, and to subsequent removal under Section 30 (4). The Crown always has power under Section 30 (4) to order the displacement of a deputy-lieutenant for any sufficient reason.
MARQUESS of TULLIBARDINEWould it be a sufficient reason if the deputy-lieutenant was living abroad?
§ Colonel SEELYI do not know whether that would be regarded as a sufficient reason. Perhaps the Noble Lord would put down a direct question upon the point. It would be necessary to consult legal authorities before replying.