§ MR. JAMES O'CONNOR (Wicklow, W.)I beg to ask the Secretary to the Board of Trade under what circumstances is Mr. Manders, first mate of the Commissioners of Irish Lights steam yacht "Alexandra," serving under the Dublin Port and Docks Board in the temporary capacity of dockmaster; how long has he been employed in this position; and whether his services under the Irish Lights Board will be considered as continuous for the purposes of promotion and pension
§ MR. BONAR LAWThe Board of Trade are informed by the Commissioners of Irish Lights that this officer being a candidate for the appointment of dock-master under the Dublin Port and Docks Board, the Commissioners gave him leave of absence to act as the temporary dock-master during the illness of the present occupant of the position, and that Mr. Manders, who pays the salary of his substitute on the "Alexandra," has now been, on leave for four months. Should he return to the service of the Commissioners after a period not exceeding twelve months, his service under them would, in accordance with the practice ruling in the Civil Service, count as continuous, but he would not be entitled to count for pension purposes the time during which he was in the employment of the Dublin Port and Docks Board. The question of promotion is one entirely for the Commissioners.