§ Mr. MOOREasked the Chief Secretary if he would grant a Return standing in the hon. Member's name showing the number of appointments made since the 1st day of January, 1906, in Ireland, of persons appointed to public offices, including offices in the National University, who have been connected with the "Freeman's Journal?"
§ Mr. BIRRELLNo Sir.
§ Mr. MOOREConsidering that this element in the administration has become a regular by-word in Ireland, will the right hon. Gentleman reconsider his decision?
§ Mr. BIRRELLNo. I can only say that in my opinion writing articles in a newspaper is neither a qualification nor a disqualification.
§ Mr. BIRRELLBecause the suggestion is that the appointments were made because of the reasons suggested in the question, which is not the case.
§ Mr. MOOREAre the only appointments which are given to journalists confined exclusively to members of the "Freeman's Journal"?
§ Mr. BIRRELLI am not aware that that is so. No appointments are given to a journalist because he is a journalist.