§ Mr. DUFFYasked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware of the dissatisfaction existing in many parts of Ireland at the action of the Lord Chancellor in the appointment of magistrates; is he aware that the district councils of Gort and the town commissioners of Loughrea recommended the appointment of fully qualified local men; and that the Lord Chancellor ignored their recommendations and ap- 1798W pointed men to strengthen the bench of magistrates all over the county overwhelmingly Conservative; and, having regard to the fact that the bench of magistrates at Gort and Loughrea is practically a Tory bench, will lie communicate with the Lord Chancellor and endeavour to have effect given to the resolutions and memorials forwarded by the public bodies in the two districts?
§ Mr. BIRRELLI am not aware that there is any ground for dissatisfaction with regard to the appointment of magistrates in Ireland. About four years ago, the Gort Rural District Council and the Loughrea Town Commissioners each recommended two persons for the County Galway magistracy, but the Lord Chancellor, after full investigation and consideration, did not at the time deem it desirable to appoint them. The Lord Chancellor is always prepared to consider suitable names for the County Galway magistracy. I have no knowledge of the political views of the magistrates referred to, nor do I feel called upon to make any representation to the Lord Chancellor on the subject.