HC Deb 26 June 1882 vol 271 cc392-3
MR. ARTHUR O'CONNOR

asked the Secretary to the Treasury, Whether his attention has been directed to the following observations of Lord Crichton's Committee of 1878:— We consider it a matter of regret that the Board of Works' architect, Mr. Owen, should, in spite of the Treasury Minute of 31st August 1846, hold the position of chairman of a Building Society. * * * It is in evidence the Government loans for cottages compete 'in a certain sense' with the operations of Building Societies. * * * We think, therefore, that, as private interests must be made subservient to public interests, the architect should, even at a personal sacrifice, be required to withdraw from the direction of the Civil Service Building Society; whether Mr. Owen is still a director of the Irish Civil Service Permanent Building Society; and, what course the Treasury propose to adopt in the matter?

MR. COURTNEY

Sir, my attention has been called to this case by the Question of the hon. Member, and I find that Mr. Owen is still a Director of the Irish Civil Service Permanent Building Society. This is one of a class of cases which will require the early and careful consideration of the Government. It may be remembered that this subject was thought important enough to be examined into and considered by a Select Committee of the last Parliament, which, however, was prevented by the Dissolution of 1880 from arriving at conclusions upon it.