§ MR. W. JOHNSTON (Belfast, S.)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that the Clogher Board of Guardians have appointed as rate collector Anne Magill, whose qualifications satisfied the board; whether the Irish Local Government Board refuse to sanction, this appointment solely on the ground of sex, and propose to appoint a man instead; and whether several precedents for such an appointment as that made by the Clogher Board of Guardians already exist in England? In 160 putting the Question I should like further to ask the right honourable Gentleman if he is aware that this lady has acted for five years, and that there are several lady collectors in England at the present time?
§ MR. GERALD BALFOURI believe that is the case, but the conditions in England and Ireland are not the same. As I am making inquiries I will ask my honourable Friend to postpone the Question till Tuesday.
§ MR. W. JOHNSTONI am sorry to say, Sir, I cannot put it that day, as on the 12th July I shall be in Ireland.