§ MR. MURPHY (Kerry, E.)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland if he will state under what Statutes and on what statement of facts, as to age and length of service and otherwise, was the sanction of the Lord-Lieutenant given to a retiring allowance to the present town clerk of the county borough of Londonderry on his proposed retirement in April next, and by whom the statement was submitted; whether the Lord-Lieutenant will receive from the ratepayers of the borough a memorial on the law and facts of the case, and if satisfied that the town clerk is not entitled to a retiring allowance, would he reconsider his consent so given; and, will he explain why was this information denied to a member of the corporation by the Local Government Board.
§ MR. WYNDHAMThe proposal to grant a retiring allowance to the town clerk of Londonderry was made by the Corporation of that city at meetings held in May and August last. The Lord-Lieutenant's sanction to the allowance was given in pursuance of the Local Officers Superannuation Act, 1869, on the understanding that the town clerk's retirement would not take effect before next April, when he will have attained the age of sixty years. The Lord-Lieutenant acted upon a statement signed by the Mayor of Derry. The Local Government Board is not aware that there is any foundation for the suggestion at the end of the Question. I cannot undertake that the Lord-Lieutenant will re-open the case, but any representations that may be made to him in the matter will be considered.
§ MR. MURPHYIs it not the fact that according to law any officer filling a position such as that of town clerk, who performs other duties, is not entitled to superannuation. Has not the town clerk of Derry notoriously filled other offices, and has he not obtained superannuation 998 simply because a member of the Government represents Derry City in this House.
§ * MR. SPEAKEROrder, order!