§ MR. BOTTOMLEYI beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether, in connection with the disappearance of the Dublin Crown jewels, the Dublin Herald and Athlone Pursuivant were called upon to resign; and, if so, why.
§ THE CHIEF SECRETARY FOR IRELAND (Mr. BIRRELL,) Bristol, N.Towards the end of last October it was decided, with the approval of the Crown, that the Office of Arms, Dublin Castle, must be reconstituted. This involved the retirement of Athlone Pursuivant and Dublin Herald, who were notified to that effect, and who resigned office accordingly.
§ MR. JOHN REDMOND (Waterford)Have the offices been abolished?
§ MR. BIRRELLYes. At all events they have not been filled up. I do not know that they have been abolished.
§ MR. JOHN REDMONDWhat is the meaning of the right hon. Gentleman in saying it involved reconstruction if he does not mean the abolition of those offices?
§ MR. BIRRELLI said it involved reconstitution, and liberty was taken to abolish the offices if necessary.
§ MR. SWIFT MACNEILLMay I ask at about what date these two gentlemen resigned?
§ MR. BIRRELLI must have notice of that Question.