§ Mr. LARDNERasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that the recent amalgamation of the Petty Sessions Court at Middletown, county Armagh, with the Court at Tynan will inflict inconvenience on persons living in the Middletown district; whether he is aware that a public meeting protesting against the proposed amalgamation, re- 1400W presentative of the clergy of all denominations, public representatives, and all creeds and classes in the community, was held at Middletown before the amalgamation was effected; whether, notwithstanding such meeting of protest, the amalgamation was carried at the Quarter Sessions largely as the result of canvassing by the police and other officials whose convenience was the sole reason for the transfer; whether he will cause inquiries to be made as to what officials canvassed; and whether their action in so doing had the sanction of the Irish Government?
§ Mr. DUKEThe Petty Sessions districts of Middleton and Tynan, county Armagh were amalgamated many years ago, that is to say they are served by the same Petty Sessions clerk. I am informed that the magistrates at Quarter Sessions have now merged the Petty Sessions district of Middleton in the Petty Sessions district of Tynan, so that Petty Sessions for both districts will be held at Tynan Court House. The arrangement is not subject to the sanction of the executive, and appears to have been carried out in accordance with the statute governing such cases. I have no information as to the meeting referred to, nor have any protests reached me.