§ MR. PATRICK A. M'HUGHOn behalf of the hon. Member for North Galway, Mr. D. KILBRIDE, I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, (1) whether his attention has been called to the name of T. S. Porter, on page 24 in the last Return drawn up in pursuance of the Superannuation Act, 1887; (2) whether he is aware that Mr. Porter was formerly a sub-lieutenant, entitled to retire on half -pay amounting to £45 12s. 6d. annually, and was in 1888 appointed an Assistant Commissioner under Land Commission at £800 a year; (3) if he will state what are the duties of his office; whether he has served on any of the sub-Commissions; and (4) what were his qualifications when appointed to the office?
§ MR. GERALD BALFOURI have not seen the Return referred to in the first paragraph, though I am aware of the facts stated in the second paragraph. Mr. Porter is at present Superintendent of the Agricultural Department of the 1382 Land Commission, and performs duties of considerable importance in connection with the Congested Districts Board for Ireland, whose schemes for the improvement of agriculture in congested districts are undertaken by the Agricultural Department of the Land Commission. That Department also administers the Markets and Fairs Acts and collects and compiles returns of the prices of Agricultural produce. Mr. Porter was employed on the work of a sub-Commission between the years 1887 and 1892, and also acted as Valuer for the Land Commission Court of Appeal. Some of this gentleman's qualifications will be found in the Return presented to this House in 1891—No. 177 of that year.