HC Deb 24 February 1908 vol 184 cc1372-3
MR. JAMES O'CONNOR (Wicklow, W.)

I beg to ask the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland), whether Mr. T. S. Porter, one of the inspectors of agriculture in the employment of the Department, is paid a salary of £1,000 a year, with first-class; railway fare; and, if so, will he state the duties Mr. Porter discharges in return for this salary.

*THE VICE-PRESIDENT OF THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE FOR IRELAND (Mr. T. W. RUSSELL,) Tyrone, S.

Mr. Porter has a salary of £800 a year with £200 subsistence allowance, from which a sum of £45 12s. 6d., Naval pension, is deducted. When travelling, first-class railway fare is allowed, as in the case of other agricultural inspectors. Mr. Porter's work at the present time is being re-arranged owing to the severance of the connection between the Department and the Irish Agricultural Organisation Society, but his duties are connected with the Department's agricultural schemes and the marketing of agricultural produce. The appointment is statutory, Mr. Porter having been transferred with the salary named from the Land Commission to the Department under the Act of 1899.

MR. MOONEY (Newry)

May I ask if this is the same Mr. Porter about whom the Member for South Tyrone interrogated Mr. Bryce, in 1906, alleging that he was doing the same work as the other inspectors whose salaries were £400 a year, and can the hon. Gentleman say whether since he became the head of the Depart ment he has discovered any reason why this gentleman should be given double their salary for doing the same work?

*Mr. T. W. RUSSELL

With regard to the Question in 1906 it was stated there I were five agricultural inspectors with; salaries ranging from £500 to £300 a year. Mr. Porfer was transferred under the Act and I have no power to alter the terms of his appointment.

MR. SWIFT MACNEILL

Is not his chief qualification that he is a son-in-law of Mr. Commissioner Wrench and that he is a Horace Plunketeer?

MR. JAMES O'CONNOE

Has the Vice President in his Department any more scandalous jobs of this kind?

*MR. T. W. RUSSELL

I hope I have made it clear that the appointment is a statutory one, and that I have no responsibility for it.

MR. FLYNN (Cork, N.)

Is this Mr. Porfer receiving £1,000 a year for supervising the expenditure of £3,000 a year?

MR. SWIFT MACNEILL

No, £5,000.

[No Answer was returned.]