§ MR. VINCENT KENNEDY (Cavan, W.)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland if he will state who is the analyst for County Cavan, when was he appointed, where is his laboratory situated, what staff is employed there, for how many counties does he 766 act as analyst, how many samples were submitted to him in the years 1905–6–7, how many of these samples did he personally analyse, and what is the total salary paid him, distinguishing the amount paid by County Cavan.
§ MR. BIRRELLThe analyst for county Cavan is Sir Charles Cameron, who was appointed in 1876. His laboratory is in Castle Street, Dublin, but I have no means of knowing what staff he employs in it. He acts as public analyst for twenty-four counties, and the salary paid to him by county councils, including £60 from County Cavan, amounts to £1,005. He also receives £385 per annum as analyst for eight boroughs. There is no official record of the number of samples submitted to him in 1905–6–7, but the county council might be able to supply the hon. Member with the information.
§ MR. VINCENT KENNEDYWill the right hon. Gentleman do his best to secure that this Irish Department is made at least as efficient as the similar Department in Scotland?
§ MR. BIRRELLThese appointments are made not by the Government but by the county councils.