§ MR. CHARLES CRAIG (Antrim, S.)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will say on whose recommendation Mr. Francis Quinn has been appointed building expert to the Home Office for the Belfast and North of Ireland districts; what experience has Mr. Quinn had of building and contract work generally, other than the building of small dwelling-houses; whether Mr. Quinn is a member of the Builders Association in Belfast; and whether Mr. Quinn's standing amongst builders in Belfast is such as to inspire confidence in his appointment amongst those whose work may have to be criticised and reviewed by him.
§ * MR. GLADSTONEThe hon. Member is, I think, under some misapprehension. There is no such post as that mentioned in the Question, nor has Mr. Quinn received any appointment from the Home Office. What has happened is this. It has been necessary on two occasions in the North of Ireland to call in expert advice on building matters; and the gentleman who was then employed being now dead. Mr. Quinn made an application recently that his name might be accepted and noted for similar employment when occasion arose. He was informed that his name would be noted, but no promise of employment was given him, and inquiries would of course have to be made as to his qualifications before he was engaged. I may add that the occasion on which it is found necessary to call in export advice on these matters are very rare.
§ MR. MACVEAGH (Down S)Will the right hon. Gentleman say whether Mr. Quinn did not produce testimonials from eight leading Unionists—;professional Gentleman—;in the city of Belfast?
§ [No Answer was returned.]