§ MR. REDMONDasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland, Whether it is the fact that on Monday, the 14th instant, the following notice was posted on the Geological Survey Office Dublin:—
Notice. Geological Survey of Ireland, Dublin. Considering the manner in which the 'Freeman's Journal' has encouraged the disloyal demonstration of yesterday evening, the 13th instant, the Director trusts to the good spirit of the officers of the Survey not to allow that paper inside the public office. — 14th January, 1878.And, whether, if this notice was so posted, it was with the knowledge or approval of the Government; and, if not, whether the Chief Secretary will take any steps to prevent the repetition of similar conduct in Government offices?
§ SIR MICHAEL HICKS-BEACHThe Geological Survey Office is not under my control; but I find, on inquiry, that the Director, on his own authority, had posted up such a notice in his own office as has been quoted by the hon. Member. I have read the articles in The Freeman's Journal to which the notice, I presume, related, and I am bound to say that I am not surprised that the Director of the Geological Survey considered the articles in question as de-serving of severe condemnation. But I think he might have left it to the good sense and the good spirit of his subordinates to form their own opinion; and if he considered it necessary to post any notice whatever on the subject of newspapers he might have been more general, and informed his subordinates that a Public Office was a place for the transaction of public business, rather than for the reading of newspapers of any kind. I do not see any reason for my taking any action in the matter.
§ MR. MITCHELL HENRYgave Notice that on an early day he would ask Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, Whether the doctrine just laid down by the right hon. Baronet, that newspapers should be excluded from Public Offices, should not be applied to England as well as to Ireland?