HC Deb 04 December 1902 vol 115 cc1329-30
MR. TULLY

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, whether the Vice President of Agricultural was responsible for the appointment of Mr. J. M. Gillies as bee-instructor, and made personal inquiries into his fitness; and what action have the Department taken on the representations they have received from the Irish Bee-keepers' Association about this appointment.

MR. WYNDHAM

The appointment was made by the Department in the exercise of the powers conferred upon it by the Act of 1899. The Department is satisfied as to the fitness of Mr. Gillies for the post. No representations have been made to it by the Association named.

Mr. TULLY

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the experts of the Bee-keepers' Association are satisfied that Mr. Gillies has no qualifications for this post?

MR. WYNDHAM

No such representations have reached me. In a matter of this kind I am prepared to support the action of the Department.

MR. TULLY

His only qualification is that he was on the staff of the Freeman's Journal.