§ Mr. KENNEDYasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland how many resident magistrates have resigned since July, 1914, stating their respective districts; how many 918W resident magistrates is it contemplated will be retired before any fresh appointments are made; and will he state if the remuneration of those retained will be increased, or what amount of saving is likely to be effected by the new arrangements?
§ Mr. BIRRELLNo resident magistrate has resigned since the date mentioned, but nine vacancies have otherwise occurred, of which four were filled. It is not proposed to fill the next vacancy that will occur, but further retirements without fresh appointments are not at present contemplated. It is not proposed to increase the salaries of existing magistrates. Owing to the readjustment of districts and consequent change in the travelling expenses of the magistrates who remain, no precise estimate of the financial saving to be effected can be made, but the abolition of one third-class resident magistracy would mean at the least a saving of a salary of £425 per annum.