§ Mr. LUNDONasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether it is the intention of the Government to fill the vacancy on the staff of the Estates Commissioners; if so, how soon; whether he is aware that the appointment in 1903 of Mr. Finucane by the late Mr. G. Wyndham was something in the nature of a guarantee to tenant farmers that their interests would be safeguarded by one who was of themselves and with whose ideas he was in sympathy as well as his being a Catholic; whether it was understood that at all times at least one of the three Commissioners would be a Catholic and in whom the tenant purchasers would have confidence; whether he is aware that a Protestant and a Unionist was appointed to succeed Mr. Finucane, thereby leaving three Protestants and three Unionists; in view of the ideas which to-day prevail as to rights of minorities, will steps be taken to see that the rights of a majority, 70W both as regards religion and interests involved, will not be flouted, and this appointment given to one who is fully qualified in every way to fulfil it, who is a Catholic in religion, and who is entitled to it according to the rules heretofore adopted in all cases where at least promotion has rested between Protestants; is he aware that no appointment of recent years is being watched more closely and with such anxiety; and will he see that justice is weighed evenly and the appointment granted to the chief inspector, whose qualifications are second to none in any and every way?
§ Mr. DUKEI cannot add anything to the answer I gave to a question by the hon. Member for the College Green Division on the 5th July, 1917.