§ Captain CLIVEasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland how long Sir Horace Plunkett was allowed to retain his office in the Government without a seat in Parliament; how long Mr. T. W. Russell has held the same office without a seat; and how much longer he will be allowed to do so?
§ Mr. MOONEYCan the right hon. Gentleman state whether during six years of the period that Sir Horace Plunkett held office he was out of the House—[HON. MEMBERS: "Order, order!"]—while his own party were in power?
§ Mr. SPEAKERLet us hear the answer first.
§ The CHIEF SECRETARY for IRELAND (Mr. Birrell)Sir Horace Plunkett retained the post of Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture and Technical Instruction without a seat in Parliament for a period of six years and nearly eight months, namely, from 25th September, 1900, the date of dissolution of Parliament, to 21st May, 1907, when he ceased to hold that office. The present Vice-President, who entered on the duties of the post on 22nd May, 1907, has been out of Parliament since the date of the last dissolution, 15th January, 1910, a period of a little over five months. As regards the concluding portion of the question I have nothing to add to my reply to a question on the same subject asked by the hon. Member for East Down on 10th March last.
§ Mr. MOONEYMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman are we to understand from the answer that Sir Horace Plunkett held the position for six years while he had not a seat in this House, and while his party was in power; and that he was re-appointed to the position by the Liberal Government when they came into power?
§ Mr. BIRRELLI have given the dates. It is for the House to say what party was in power during that period of time.
Captain COOPERasked whether any portion of the money advanced by the Department of Agriculture and Technical Instruction to credit societies is looked upon as a bad debt; what steps have been taken to recover this money; whether these societies are unlimited liability companies; and whether proceedings have been taken against all the members composing them?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe Department have reason to believe that a small amount will prove to be irrecoverable. The usual steps for recovery have been taken—first, by pressure from the Department, and secondly through the medium of the Chief Crown Solicitor. The proceedings are invariably taken against the two guarantors and the secretary. The societies are not limited liability companies. The Department, whatever the legal position may be, have no intention of taking proceedings against small borrowers, who in most cases would be unable to pay.
Captain COOPERWill the right hon. Gentleman state the amount that is looked upon as irrecoverable; what will be the loss to the Treasury?
§ Mr. BIRRELLI have not got the figures before me, but if the hon. Gentleman gives me notice I can get them.