§ MR. HAZLETONI beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that since 1903 a number of appointments under the Irish Land Commission have been given to persons having no previous connection with that office over the heads of others who have been continuously employed in it for periods up to sixteen years; and, if so, whether this practice is to be continued.
MR. BRYCEI am not aware to what particular appointments the hon. Member refers. A skilled accountant was recently appointed assistant to the head of a department in the Land Commission, under circumstances which I explained on Thursday last in Answer to a Question by 999 the hon. Member for the Leix Division,† and several clerks with legal qualifications have also been appointed from time to time. The work of the Land Commission has greatly expanded since the passing of the Act of 1903, and the appointments mentioned have been necessary. The claims of the existing staff to promotion are recognised in all fit cases.