§ Mr. STANIERI desire to ask the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he can state on what grounds Mr. Herbert Walker was selected above the other candidates on the Government list for the appointment of resident magistrate; on what date his application for the appointment was received; was his application supported by the Lord Chancellor of Ireland; did the Lord Lieutenant consult the Lord Chancellor on the subject before making the appointment; and was any inquiry made before the appointment into Mr. Walker's knowledge of Irish law or practice; and, if so, by whom?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe office of resident magistrate is not one of those awarded by competition, and the Lord Lieutenant satisfied himself that Mr. Walker possessed the necessary qualifications. The date of 1826 Mr. Walker's application was 30th January, 1909. The Lord Chancellor did not interfere in the matter, and he was not consulted by His Excellency. Before the appointment all the usual and necessary inquiries were made as to the candidate's fitness for the post.
§ Mr. STANIERMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman if he is aware that the Mr. Walker in question is the son of the Lord Chancellor of Ireland.
§ Mr. BIRRELLI have always understood that to be the case.
§ Mr. JOYCEMay I ask the Chief Secretary whether it is a fact that Mr. Walker was a failure in China?
§ Mr. BIRRELLI am not aware of it.