§ MR. W. KENNYI beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland if he would state under what circumstances and on what ground Mr. H. J. MacFarlane was, in 1886, dismissed from the position of Local Government Board Inspector; if the only foundation for a charge against him was withdrawn; and if there was any reason why he should not have been entitled to a pension on withdrawal from his office?
MR. J. MORLEYMr. MacFarlane was removed from the position of Inspector under the Local Government Board in 1886 for grave irregularities on his part in the discharge of his duties and the persistent manner in which he disregarded his instructions. He was treated with the utmost consideration while he was an Inspector, and it was not until his irregular and unsatisfactory conduct reached such a point that his retention in office could not be any longer tolerated without great detriment to the Public Service that his dismissal became necessary. The charges against him were never withdrawn. Mr. MacFarlane had not served the minimum period which would have entitled him to a pension even if the circumstances connected with his removal had been such as to justify the Department in recommending him for one.