§ Sir John Biggs-Davisonasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what statutory provisions govern the appointment of high sheriffs in Northern Ireland.
§ Mr. PriorTwo ancient statutes still govern the appointment of high sheriffs—chapter I of 21 Edward 1, 1293, and chapter VII of statute 1 of 14 Edward III, 1340—but the present powers derive mainly from the Sheriffs (Ireland) Act 1835, chapter 55. As originally enacted, this Act empowered the Lord Lieutenant to appoint high sheriffs. This power was transferred to the Governor of Northern Ireland by the Irish Free State (Consequential Provisions) Act 1922, chapter 2, and later to the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland by the Northern Ireland Constitution Act 1973, chapter 36.