§ MR. ARTHUR O'CONNOR (Donegal, E.)asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Whether Mr. John Benson, late relieving officer of the Dunfanaghy Union, has recently been allowed a pension by the Local Government Board; whether, two years ago, the issue of a pension for this officer was refused, because he had, while serving as relieving officer, also acted as farmer and as poor rate collector, as well as bailiff to Mr. Nixon and to Lord Leitrim; and, what were the grounds for the recent decision?
§ THE CHIEF SECRETARY (Mr. JOHN MORLEY) (Newcastle-on-Tyne), in reply, said, that an inquiry was held into this case; and as it was shown that 744 the officer devoted his entire time to the duties of his office the Local Government Board waived their objection to his being allowed a pension. He understood that the other offices previously held by Mr. Benson were discharged by his son.
§ MR. ARTHUR O'CONNORasked, would the right hon. Gentleman let the Board of Guardians know the facts of the case, as they were anxious to be informed upon them?
§ MR. JOHN MORLEYsaid, he presumed the Board of Guardians would address the Local Government Board on the subject.