HC Deb 16 July 1914 vol 64 c2085
16. Mr. FFRENCH

asked the Chief Secretary whether his attention has been called to the language used at an Orange celebration in Dublin by Mr. C. Erskine Barton, D.L., and J.P. for the county Wexford; and whether, in view of the attacks made by this magistrate on the Catholics of the county Wexford, he will call the attention of the Lord Chancellor to the speech in question, with a view to having his name removed from the commission of the peace?

Mr. BIRRELL

The hon. Member has forwarded me a newspaper cutting of the speech referred to. I have laid the matter before the Lord Chancellor, who agrees with me that the speech of this gentleman is unworthy of notice.

Mr. W. A. REDMOND

Will the right hon. Gentleman tell the House what are the necessary qualifications for appointment as deputy-lieutenant in Ireland, and whether making charges against and slandering one's fellow countrymen is one of them?

Mr. BIRRELL

No, certainly not; it is a disqualification.