§ MR. LONSDALE (Armagh, Mid.)To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether Sir Antony Macdonnell has resigned the office of Under-Secretary; and, if so, whether he is in a position to name his successor.
(Answered by Mr. Birrell.) Sir Antony Macdonnell has not resigned his office, but some time ago he communicated to the Irish Government his desire to retire after the presentation of the Report of Lord Dudley's Commission. The Report has, I believe, been signed, and will be presented in a few days. I have, however, requested Sir Antony Macdonnell to defer his retirement for such a time as will enable me to have the great benefit of his advice in the consideration of this Report, and he has therefore been good enough to agree to remain in office until the end of July. It is proposed when the office becomes vacant to till it by the appointment of Sir James Dougherty, the Assistant-Under-Secretary.