HC Deb 17 June 1901 vol 95 cc565-7
MR. PATRICK O'BRIEN

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether any appointment has yet been made of a Fishery Commissioner in the place of MR. Cecil Roche, and, if so, will he state who it is; and, if not, can he say whether there is any difficulty in the way of making an appointment, and, if so, what is its nature, or for what other reason the place has not been filled.

MR. WYNDHAM

Mr. D. H. Lane has been appointed temporarily as Inspector of Fisheries in succession to Mr. Roche.

MR. FLYNN

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this gentleman is a brewer, and has spent all his life in brewing?

MR. WYNDHAM

I am not aware of that.

MR. FLYNN

Well, I am.

MR. WYNDHAM

I am well aware that he has given great assistance to Mr. Green, one of the Fishery Inspectors, and that he has a practical knowledge of the question.

MR. THOMAS O'DONNELL (Kerry, W.)

What is the practical knowledge which this brewer has?

MR. WYNDHAM

He has held the position of manager of a large salmon fishery, although he is now vacating it in order that he may be quite independent.

MR. THOMAS O'DONNELL

Is it not the fact that he was appointed not because of his knowledge of the subject, but because he belongs to a particular political denomination?

DR. AMBROSE

Has he any acquaintance with deep sea fisheries?

MR. PATRICK O'BRIEN

The right hon. Gentleman says the appointment is temporary. Can he make it permanent without legislation?

MR. WYNDHAM

Yes. He has been appointed provisionally for one year at a salary of £500. He has an acquaintance with deep sea fisheries, for he assisted Mr. Green in one of his deep sea surveys.

Other Members rose to put questions.

*MR. SPEAKER

Order, order! The question has been fully answered.