HC Deb 16 October 1912 vol 42 cc1220-1
48. Mr. HORNER

asked whether, in case the Government of Ireland Bill be comes law, Civil servants therein defined as Irish officers will be protected; and, if so, by what Clause or Clauses, as regards promotion and opportunities of promotion to higher positions in their respective Departments such as they might ordinarily look forward to if they remained in the service of the Government of the United Kingdom?

Mr. BIRRELL

The Bill makes ample provision for the protection of existing Irish officers, and there is no reason to anticipate that the ordinary prospects of promotion of the officers remaining in the service will be impaired.

Captain CRAIG

What about the cases that have occurred in local government in Ireland?

Mr. BIRRELL

I do not know what the hon. Member means.

Captain CRAIG

Does the right hon. Gentleman know anything about the conditions which prevail in the South and West, where only Nationalists can obtain appointments?

Mr. SPEAKER

The hon. Member had better put his questions down.