HC Deb 01 May 1913 vol 52 cc1347-8
8. Mr. HORNER

asked whether he is aware that Mr. W. A. Newman, whose appointment to the commission of the peace for the city of Limerick has been notified, was, as Walter A. Newman, on 23rd August, 1908, at Limerick Petty Sessions, convicted and fined for obstructing and impeding a servant of the Great Southern and Western Railway Company in the discharge of his duty and of being guilty of disorderly conduct; that he was, as W. A. Newman, on 21st June, 1912, convicted and fined for unlawfully acting as a general dealer without a licence, and that, as W. A. Newman, he was convicted and fined, on 21st June, 1912, for being a dealer in marine stores and not having the words "dealer in marine stores" distinctly painted in letters as required; that, as W. A. Newman, on 21st June, 1912, he was convicted and fined for failing to keep books in which to enter an account of all marine stores of which he became possessed, contrary to the Merchant Shipping Act, 1894, and that, as Wolfe A. Newman, he was, at Limerick Petty Sessions, convicted and fined for unlawfully acting as a general dealer without a licence; whether representations have been received from many residents in Limerick in reference to this appointment; and what action he proposes to take in the matter?

Mr. BIRRELL

The hon. Member appears to be under a misapprehension. This gentleman has not been appointed, and will not be appointed, to the commission of the peace.

Sir J. LONSDALE

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that Mr. Newman received intimation from the Castle or the Lord Lieutenant, direct or indirectly, of his appointment to the commission of the peace for Limerick?

Mr. BIRRELL

I do not know how that may be, but it turns out the gentleman is a Russian subject, not naturalised, and therefore not competent to be appointed.

Sir J. LONSDALE

Is it not a fact that he received the commission of the peace, and that it was afterwards withdrawn in consequence of representations made?

Mr. BIRRELL

If that is so I am glad, because it prevented an illegal act from being committed.

Mr. JOYCE

Will the right hon. Gentleman say who recommended the appointment of this man?

Mr. HORNER

What is his real name and nationality?

Mr. BIRRELL

His real name is Newman; his nationality I have already stated.

Mr. JOYCE

Who recommended him?