HC Deb 09 March 1911 vol 22 cc1374-5
Captain CRAIG

asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he was aware that the Glin District Council have appointed as clerk the wife of the late clerk, who was dismissed and fined in sums of £10 and £30, and is now serving a term of three months' imprisonment for a criminal assault on a child under the age of sixteen, to whom he had to pay £40 compensation; and whether the Local Government Board have sanctioned the appointment of the wife of a convicted felon to this position?

The CHIEF SECRETARY for IRELAND (Mr. Birrell)

No permanent appointment has yet been made to the position of clerk of the Glin Rural District Council. The wife of the late clerk was unanimously appointed to act as temporary clerk, and the appointment has received the sanction of the Local Government Board.

Captain CRAIG

Would it not be possible to appoint some one of more respectable antecedents?

Mr. BIRRELL

It does not always follow that a woman is to be classed with her husband. A woman may marry a scoundrel.

Mr. MOORE

Has this gentleman vacated his appointment, and if so, why is only a temporary appointment made and why are not advertisements inserted for the election of a successor?

Mr. BIRRELL

I cannot really answer that question. The post is vacant, and a temporary appointment has been made.

Mr. MOORE

When will advertisements be published for the new appointment?

Mr. BIRRELL

I will inquire.