§ Mr. Frenchmoved for the a return of the names of all persons appointed to command vessels in Her Majesty's service, from the 1st day of October, 1841, to the 1st day of March, 1844, specifying whether each person so appointed be a native of England, Ireland, or Scotland. During that period, he said upwards of 100 appointments had taken place of persons commanding vessels in Her Majesty's service, and but one Irishman had been appointed. The late Government, who had been accused of favouring their political friends, never pursued such a line of conduct as this. He was sure that the right hon. Baronet at head of the Government would not sanction any intentional exclusion of Irishmen.
§ Mr. S. Herbertsaid, it was impossible to comply with the demand of the hon. Member for Roscommon, because it was not the nationality of the persons appointed, but their fitness for office, with which the Admiralty had to do. There was no means, therefore, of complying with the request of the hon. Member; but if he confined his Motion to "a return of the names of all persons appointed to of command vessels in Her Majesty's service from the 1st day of October, 1841, to the 1st day of March, 1844," leaving out the specification he had not the slightest objection to furnish that return.
§ Mr. Shawwas quite sure First Lord of the Admiralty could not be suspected of being prejudiced against Irishmen.
§ Return, omitting the specification, ordered.
§ House adjourned at twenty minutes past twelve o'clock.