HC Deb 13 March 1902 vol 104 cc1281-2
MR. THOMAS O'DONNELL (Kerry, W.)

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he can state the qualifications possessed by the Earl of Shaftesbury for the position of member of the Congested Districts Board, and when this appointment was made, and will he explain why the representations made by Kerry and Cork for the appointment of a member with knowledge of the needs of those counties were disregarded by the Government in making the appointment.

MR. WYNDHAM

The Government was satisfied of the fitness of the Earl of Shaftesbury to be a member of the Congested Districts Board. He was appointed by Royal Warrant dated the 6th instant. Before recommending his appointment I brought to Lord Shaftesbury's notice the representations referred to, and he undertook, if appointed, to visit Kerry and Cork with the object of making a special study of the needs in the congested portions of those counties.

MR. THOMAS O'DONNELL

Would it not be possible for the right hon. Gentleman to find some man in Kerry or Cork with a local knowdedge of the needs of the people, and not go to Belfast?

CAPTAIN DONELAN

Why was Lord Shaftesbury appointed in preference to the Bishop of Ross?

MR. GILHOOLY (Cork Co., W.)

Is it the intention of the Government to leave the Province of Minister wholly unrepresented on the Congested Districts Board?

* MR. SHEEHAN

Has the right hon. Gentleman received representations from public bodies in West Cork asking for the appointment of a local representative?

* MR. SPEAKER

Order, order!

[None of these Questions were answered]