HC Deb 30 November 1916 vol 88 cc490-1
19. Mr. LUNDON

asked the Chief Secretary whether his attention has been called to the attitude of Mr. Hardy, resident magistrate, at Derry recently, where he attempted to prevent the Mayor of Derry from adjudicating in a particular case at Petty Sessions, on the grounds that the magistrate who had sizing of the case was by law empowered to deal with it, to the exclusion of other justices; is he aware that, despite the attitude of the resident magistrate, the Mayor of Derry insisted upon his right to adjudicate, and carried his point by taking the Petty Sessions book and making a ruling, which was contrary to that announced to the Court by the resident magistrate; and has any action been taken by the Government to support the theory of the resident magistrate and, if so, with what result?

Mr. DUKE

This matter is sub judice.