§ MR. SWIFT MACNEILL (Donegal, S.)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether
†See col. 14.47 he is aware that Sir Horace Plunkett, the Vice-President of the Agricultural Department in Ireland, was absent from his duties for upwards of two months in America; did he ask permission for thus absenting himself, and, if so, from whom and on what grounds; by whom were Sir Horace Plunkett's duties discharged in his absence; and why is the privilege of being absent from duties, which he is paid to discharge, granted to Sir Horace Plunkett while not extended to other members of the Civil Service.
§ MR. BIRRELLSir Horace Plunkett's visit to the United States extended from 6th December to 26th January. It was made during his annual holiday and did not exceed the amount of leave to which he is officially entitled. Nearly half of his stay in the United States was devoted to inquiries made on behalf of his Department at the Department of Agriculture and other public offices in Washington, at Agricultural colleges in four States, and at several technical institutions. His duties are discharged in his absence by the secretary of the Department. These arrangements are approved by the Chief Secretary for the time being.
§ MR. SWIFT MACNEILLWhen does the right hon. Gentleman intend to grant Sir Horace permanent leave of absence?
§ [No Answer was returned.]