§ MR. ALEXANDER BLANE (Armagh, S.)asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, If his attention has been directed to the conduct of Adam S. Weir, assistant master, 1425 and Joseph. W. Robb, sub-clerk in the Belfast Union Workhouse, having been absent from duty on Thursday 25th March last, taking part in a political contest for the Belfast Harbour Board on that day; and, if it be true that they received remuneration for their services from the Conservative party since that election; and, if so, whether it be compatible with their duties as Poor Law Union Officers; and, if not, will any notice be taken of their conduct?
§ THE CHIEF SECRETARY (Mr. JOHN MORLEY) (Newcastle-on-Tyne), in reply, said, that Messrs. Robb and Weir acted in an official capacity at the election of the Belfast Harbour Commissioners as poll clerk and Returning Officer respectively. They had both obtained leave of absence, and they were paid for their services by the Harbour Commissioners, and not by any political Party. The Guardians had decided that their officers should not be allowed to act as paid officers at elections without express permission beforehand, and the Local Government Board have asked the Guardians not to grant such permission, as the practice was by no means a desirable one.