§ MR. KNOX (Cavan, W.)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether a Mr. Agnew has recently been appointed a Local Government Board Inspector in Ireland; whether he was previously manager of the Provincial Bank at Strabane, and an accountant in the same bank at Sligo; and whether inquiries were made as to his competency and other qualifications from his official superiors in each case before his appointment?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURIt is the case that the gentleman mentioned was previously employed in the Provincial Bank as stated. Before his appointment as a Local Government Inspector the Government satisfied themselves as to his qualifications for that position. It is not usual to state what confidential inquiries the responsible Minister may make with regard to the qualifications of candidates for appointments in the Public Service.