§ 91. Mr. MOOREasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury if he is aware that Mr. J. Thomas Hewitt, president of the Trim branch, county Meath, of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, has been appointed an Income Tax collector, and that dissatisfaction exists in the district that this man should, as head of an extreme political association, be placed in a position which enables him to supervise the private affairs of his political opponents and others; and will he say what previous experience Mr. Hewitt had to qualify him for the position, and on whose recommendation was he appointed?
§ Mr. MASTERMANMr. J. T. Hewitt has been an Income Tax collector since 1378 1902, when he was appointed on the nomination of the then Patronage Secretary to the Treasury. I am not aware of the connection suggested by the hon. Member or that any dissatisfaction exists in the districts for which he acts as collector on the ground suggested in the question. I am informed that Mr. Hewitt is a capable officer, and performs his duties as collector most satisfactorily.
§ Mr. MOOREIs it permissible for an Income Tax collector to be president of a local branch of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, as this gentleman is?
§ Mr. MASTERMANI do not think there is any rule of the service against it.
§ Mr. FLAVINIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that if this officer signed the Covenant this question would not have been asked?