HC Deb 12 August 1909 vol 9 c634
Mr. MOORE

asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland if the permanent officials to be appointed on the new Congested Districts Board under the Irish Land Bill will be subject to the Civil Service rules as regards age and superannuation?

Mr. BIRRELL

The permanent members of the Congested Districts Board will, under the provisions of the Bill as drafted, be paid out of the funds at the disposal of the Board, but their individual salaries will not be borne on the Votes. They would not, therefore, be Civil servants, and would not be subject to Civil Service rules as regards age or superannuation.

Mr. MOORE

Is it a fact that under the Bill dealing with this matter introduced by the right hon. Gentleman in November last that such officials were to be Civil servants, and subject to their rules; if so, what is the need for the change?

Mr. BIRRELL

I do not know that that is so. The Bill as at present drafted is in accordance with the answer I have given.

Mr. MOORE

But the right hon. Gentleman in a former reply to me stated that in the Bill of last November Civil Service conditions would apply?

Mr. BIRRELL

Another alteration has taken place.

Mr. MOORE

Can the right hon. Gentleman say why?

Mr. BIRRELL

No, Sir.