HC Deb 06 May 1908 vol 188 cc259-60
MR. CLANCY (Dublin County, N.)

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury whether a Treasury clerk from London has been imported into Dublin Castle as Treasury Remembrancer in room of a retired Irish official; and whether the Government took any steps to ascertain if any Irishman was qualified to fill the position, in view of the policy of associating the Irish people with the management of their own affairs.

MR. CHARLES HOBHOUSE

As has been officially announced in the Press, Mr. Hewby, of the Treasury, has been appointed Treasury Remembrancer upon the retirement of Sir Robert Holmes. Mr. Hewby's qualifications were considered to render him the candidate best suited for the appointment.

MR. PATRICK O'BRIEN (Kilkenny)

The hon. Gentleman has not answered the last part of the Question.

MR. CHARLES HOBHOUSE

It is more desirable to get the man best qualified for the post than one belonging to a particular party.

MR. PATRICK O'BRIEN:

Was an effort made to get the best man in Ireland?

MR. CHARLES HOBHOUSE

I have said that we considered Mr. Hewby's qualifications made him the best suited for the appointment.

MR. O'SHAUGHNESSY (Limerick, W.)

What were his special qualifications for the post?

MR. CHARLES HOBHOUSE

I must have notice of that Question.