§ Mr. GINNELLasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland what are the qualifications for the position of examiner of title under the Irish Land Commission; whether preliminary service of the Commission in other positions is a qualification; how fitness is ascertained and appointments made; and when, with what qualifications, and at whose instance J. G. Franks was appointed to this position?
§ Mr. BIRRELLAll persons appointed to the position of examiner of title under the Land Commission must be either barristers or solicitors. Preliminary service under the Commission in other positions is not in itself a qualification. The appointments are made by the Land Commission, with the consent of the Lord Lieutenant, under Section 45 of the Land Act, 1881, as extended by Section 20 of the Act of 1885. Mr. J. G. Franks, who was thus appointed as an examiner of title on 8th June, 1910, was a practising. solicitor of over nine years' standing.