§ Mr. GINNELLalso asked the date at which Sir John Franks retired from the position of secretary to the Irish Land 1043W Commission; at what age; after how many years' service; at whose request; on what grounds; with what pension; whether that was the highest pension attainable by him; why a successor was not appointed from the staff of the Land Commission; how many years' experience in the offices of the Land Commission the person appointed had had; and, if the appointment was made by the Commissioners, by what method the requirement of fitness was satisfied?
§ Mr. BIRRELLSir John Franks retired at his own request on 30th September, 1910, at the age of sixty-two, after thirty-four years' service. The immediate cause of his retirement was ill-health, occasioned in large measure by the strain of overwork; but apart from this circumstance he was entitled to retire by reason of his having attained the age of sixty years. He was awarded a pension of £850 per annum, the maximum attainable having regard to his length of service. With regard to the remainder of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to his question on this subject on the 13th February last.