§ Mr. JOHN O'CONNORasked the Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that Mr. Blaylock was employed as a pensions officer in the southern part of East Wicklow recently; whether he can state-what qualifications, if any, this gentleman possessed; whether he had any experience, and, if so, what, in valuing Irish land and growing crops, or the income or means of small occupiers; whether he is aware that his figures were sharply criticised by the local pensions committee; and whether this gentleman had any previous employment in Ireland; and, if so, what was its nature and character?
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§ Mr. HOBHOUSEMr. Blaylock has been employed as a pensions officer in the district referred to since May last, and previously acted as a pension officer in England from the time the Act came into operation. He has had no previous employment under this Department in Ireland. I am not aware that his figures have been sharply criticised by the local pension committee. The ultimate decision in regard to the calculation of the means of claimants rests, of course, with the Local Government Board on appeal, and it is open to them to make independent inquiry into the matter.