§ MR. THOMAS O'DONNELL (Kerry, W.)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, seeing that Mr. Lane, who has recently been appointed temporarily as Inspector of Fisheries in Ireland, has been for years a member of the firm of Messrs. Lane an Co., Brewers, Cork, whether he can state what special training or experience he has had of deep sea fishing; and whether, in making a permanent appointment, the custom in Scotland of appointing a man who has had practical experience of the fishing industry will be followed.
§ MR. WYNDHAMMr. Lane was associated with Mr. Green in the survey of the West of Ireland Fishery Grounds, undertaken some years ago by the Royal Dublin Society, and he also afforded 726 material assistance when the working of the fisheries was started by the Congested Districts Board. The question of making a permanent appointment has not yet arisen, and I must decline to commit the Government to arrangements which it may be necessary to make at a future date.
§ MR. THOMAS O'DONNELLWhen the right hon. Gentleman makes a permanent appointment will he see that the new inspector has a practical acquaintance with the work of the office?
§ MR. WYNDHAMI consider that Mr. Lane has practical knowledge.
§ MR. SHEEHAN (Cork Co., Mid)asked whether the Chief Secretary considered that assisting at a survey constituted sufficient practical knowledge.
§ MR. SPEAKEROrder, order!