§ 53. Mr. BYRNEasked the Prime Minister under what conditions does Lord Wimborne resume duty as Lord Lieutenant of Ireland; what will his powers be; and if they will be any advance on the powers which he previously exercised?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe powers exercised by successive Lords Lieutenant from time to time have depended less upon the terms of their appointment than on the arrangements made by the Minister responsible to Parliament for the administration of Ireland. Lord Wimborne pointed out in his evidence before the recent Royal Commission certain respects in which the usefulness of the Office of Lord Lieutenant had been restricted by absence of means of official information and of opportunities for consultation. The state of things described by Lord Wimborne is not constitutionally necessary, and the present Chief Secretary agrees with Lord Wimborne in thinking it is not to the public advantage. It will be modified so as to enable the office of Lord Lieutenant to be discharged with the greatest advantage to the country. At the same time the ultimate authority and responsibility in Irish administration must necessarily remain with the Minister who is answerable to Parliament.
§ Mr. ASHLEYAre we to understand that there are other functions besides that of "gracious hospitality"?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThat is exactly what I have conveyed in my answer. The reason there was some delay in making this appointment was in order to make this arrangement.
Mr. HEALYWill General Sir John Maxwell be under the control of the Lord Lieutenant or the Lord Lieutenant under the control of General Sir John Maxwell?