MR. PATRICK O'BRIENI beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury whether he is yet in a position to say who is the new chairman of the Board of Works, what are his qualifications for the office, and will he state what is the term of his engagement and what is his salary.
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURThe name of the new chairman of the Irish Board of Works is Mr. G. C. Holmes, who, until recently, was secretary to the Institute of Naval Architects and formerly with the London and North-Western Railway Company. Mr. Holmes is an acknowledged authority on the works of engineering. His salary will be £1,500 a year, and his engagement is that of a Civil servant under the ordinary conditions.
§ MR. CLANCYHas he ever been in Ireland yet?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURI do not know; but he is there now.
§ MR. CLANCYIs it not the fact that of the three members of the Board two are Englishmen?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURWell, this will be an exception to the rule.
§ MR. JOHN REDMOND (Waterford)Do I understand this gentleman is not an Irishman?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURHe is an Irishman.
MR. PATRICK O'BRIENDoes he know anything of the policy pursued I by this Board for the last five years? Is it intended he shall carry on that policy? Was any effort made to secure a chairman well acquainted with the policy?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURYes, it is proposed to carry on the policy of the Board in connection with public works. In our opinion Mr. Holmes was the best man for the place.