§ MR. DELANYTo ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether considerable staff changes are contemplated in the veterinary branch of the Agricultural Department, with a view to introducing a number of fresh officials at an early 64 date; and, if so, whether, seeing that allegations have been made in Parliament and by the local public bodies in Ireland respecting the methods of promotion practised in this branch, he will postpone the contemplated changes till Parliament is informed of the result of the promised inquiry into the working of the Department.
(Answered by Mr. Bryce.) The clerical staff of the veterinary branch of the Department is, with the sanction of the Treasury, being increased by one abstractor transferred from another branch, three new abstractors, and one boy clerk. This increase in the staff is immediately necessary to enable the branch to cope with its existing work.