§ MR. VINCENT KENNEDYI beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether officials of the Congested Districts Board for Ireland mark the papers set at the examinations for temporary clerks in their offices; and, if so, will he consider the advisability of employing capable outsiders independent of the Board for the purpose, in view of complaints among candidates as to the marking of their papers by possibly influenced or prejudiced officials.
MR. BRYCEThe examination papers of candidates for temporary clerkships in the office of the Congested Districts Board are marked by the secretary, assistant secretary, and chief 796 clerk, who have before them the candidates' examination numbers only. The employment of outside examiners would be a considerable charge on the Board's funds, and is not considered necessary. No complaint as to the marking of examination papers has ever been made to the Board, but it is perhaps hardly to be expected that all unsuccessful candidates should be satisfied with the results.