§ MR. KENNYasked the Secretary to the Admiralty, If, some years ago, the parish priest of Kingstown received a certain salary for allowing the use of his church and religious services to the Catholic sailors and Coastguardsmen stationed at Kingstown; if this salary was paid only upon one occasion, and why it has been discontinued; how much arrears of pay is now due to the reverend gentleman; and, when does the Admiralty purpose paying him?
§ MR. CAMPBELL-BANNERMANNo fixed salary has ever been paid to the parish priest at Kingstown; but, in 1877, a capitation allowance for his services was paid to him under the usual Regulations. This allowance is payable so long as the number of Roman Catholic seamen of the Navy attending his church is not less than 25. I do not find that since the year in question any claim has been made by this clergyman; but if he can show that for any year since then there has been present a number entitling him to the allowance it will be paid.
§ MR. KENNYasked whether the hon. Gentleman was aware that 34 men and seven officers from Her Majesty's ship Belleisle attended the service last Sunday, and that this was only a fair average; and whether, on the application of the parish priest, this capitation grant would be renewed?
§ MR. CAMPBELL-BANNERMANI have already stated that if the clergyman makes application for the allowance, which he has not done either for this or any previous year, and is able to prove, which I dare say he may, that the proper number was present at the station, the allowance will be given.
§ MR. ARTHUR O'CONNORasked whether the Admiralty officers, who ought to be in possession of the information, would relieve the clergyman of the 598 onus of proving the numbers by themselves supplying them?
§ MR. CAMPBELL-BANNERMANIf it appears that there was the proper number present, he will at once get the allowance. But he must make application.