§ MR. JOSEPH DEVLIN (Kilkenny, N.)I beg to ask Mr. Attorney-General for Ireland whether he will state the reasons for the amalgamation of the positions of Crown Solicitor of county Antrim and Sessional Crown Solicitor of Belfast; and what economies will be effected by the new arrangement.
§ THE ATTORNEY-GENERAL FOR IRELAND (Mr. ATKINSON,) Londonderry, N.The Irish Government many years back came to the conclusion that it was most desirable, having regard to the efficiency of the public service as well as to considerations of economy, to unite where possible the offices of Crown Solicitor and Sessional Crown Solicitor. Mr. Bates was originally appointed to the office of Crown Solicitor on the terms that he should accept the minor office if required. In pursuance of that arrangement the offices have now been united. The salary of the combined office has not yet been fixed, and I cannot therefore state the precise amount of the saving.
§ * MR. SLOANIs it not the fact that although the arrangement was in force during the tenure of office of the last Sessional Crown Solicitor it was not carried out?
§ MR. JOSEPH DEVLINWas not the arrangement made by a former Government in the interests of economy? What Government was it?
§ MR. ATKINSONI am not aware by what Government the Minute was issued originally, but it has been in existence several years.