MR. MACARTNEYasked the First Lord of the Treasury, Whether there is any foundation for the rumours mentioned in the "Globe" newspaper of Friday, May 21st, to the effect that the new Governor General of India is a member of the Jesuit Order?
MR. GLADSTONESir, I know nothing of the rumour to which the hon. Member for Tyrone (Mr. Macartney) alludes; and perhaps I may venture, with great respect, to express an opinion that mere rumours mentioned without any evidence of authority are hardly sufficient basis for a Question of this kind. However, as the hon. Member has put the Question, it was my duty to make inquiries on the subject; and I was informed, as I certainly anticipated would be the case, that Lord Ripon was not a member of the Order of Jesus. I am further informed by those nearest to him that, so far as their information goes, it is impossible that he should become so, for the simple reason that he does not possess the necessary qualifications.