HC Deb 21 February 1906 vol 152 cc349-50
MR. EDWARD BARRY (Cork Co., S.)

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he has received from Cork County Council, and various public and other bodies in Ireland, expressions of disapproval of the appointment of Lord Ikerrin as Butter Commissioner in England; and whether, in view of the necessity that exists of having a thoroughly competent man to fill this most important post, steps will be taken to transfer Lord Ikerrin to some other position.

MR. BRYCE

Some such expressions of disapproval have been received, but I am aware that representatives of the butter trade in Limerick and elsewhere have expressed strong approval of the appointment of Lord Ikerrin. The appointment in question is not that of a butter commissioner, but of an inspector, whose primary duty will be the detection of frauds in connection with the sale of Irish butter and other agricultural produce in Great Britain. The selection of Lord Ikerrin was made after consultation with representatives of the industries concerned, and with their approval. The appointment was made before I came into office, but I am informed that Lord Ikerrin possesses knowledge and experience qualifying him for the post. I may add that for nearly five years prior to the present appointment, Lord Ikerrin was employed by the Department as an inspector in connection with the transit of agricultural produce to English markets, and that the knowledge gained by him in that position will be of much advantage to him in his present post.

MR. WILLIAM O'BRIEN (Cork)

Will the question of Lord Ikerrin's appointment form part of the inquiry into the working of the Department, and will the county councils be represented on that inquiry?

MR. BRYCE

I do not consider there will be any difficulty in allowing county councils to make such representations as they may desire in relation to the protection of the butter industry, and they already have power to address themselves to the Agricultural Board. I shall be happy to forward to the body making the inquiry any communications that may be sent to me.

MR. EDWARD BARRY

Was the Cork butter trade, which is the centre of the industry, consulted before the appointment of Lord Ikerrin.

MR. BRYCE

I presume so, as I am informed the appointment was made after consultation with all the industries concerned.

MR. WILLIAM O'BRIEN

Will this appointments be reviewed at the proposed inquiry?

MR. BRYCE

The inquiry will not necessarily extend to the qualifications of individual officers. It will be concerned with the constitution status and working of the Department.