§ MR. HEALYasked the First Lord of the Treasury, Whether Mr. Clifford Lloyd is to be re-employed in Ireland; and, if so, will any opportunity be afforded before the Session closes of discussing this step?
MR. GLADSTONEThe case of Mr. Clifford Lloyd is that, in principle, that gentleman is still in the Public Service. When he went to Egypt he still continued to be on the list of Resident Magistrates in Ireland. He went to Egypt and came away upon leave, and, as my noble Friend the Under Secretary of State has acquainted the House, he will not return to Egypt. His leave extends for some considerable time—until September—and no decision has been taken with respect to his future. With regard to the particular place of his employment, and the functions he may be called upon to perform, it will be the business of the Government carefully to consider in what manner his abilities may best be turned to account for the Public Service, and to come to a decision on the point.
§ MR. HEALYasked whether, if Mr. Clifford Lloyd was sent back to Ireland, an opportunity would be given of discussing that step before the close of the Session?
MR. GLADSTONEI am not certain when the decision may be taken with respect to Mr. Clifford Lloyd; but I have no doubt that if anything is done with respect to him we shall have no desire to evade the opportunity, which hon. Gentlemen connected with Ireland certainly are entitled to make, to comment on the appointment of any particular person in the service of the Irish Government. I have not the least desire that the hon. Gentlemen should have any difficulty in this respect—in fact, I think it would be right that we should endeavour, within a short time, to come to a decision. The thing really has not been taken up yet, simply because there was a considerable period of leave to elapse; but we must endeavour to come to a decision as we approach the last days of the Session.