HC Deb 30 April 1885 vol 297 cc1124-5
MR. HEALY

asked the First Lord of the Treasury, If his attention has been called to the public letter written by Mr. Wm. Johnston, Inspector of Fisheries, to the Orange Grand Master, which appeared in The Belfast News Letter — Expressing his readiness, if called upon, to contest one of the divisions of Belfast at the General Election; is he aware that this official admits the authorship of the following letter in The Belfast Evening Telegraph— The 12th of July is being prepared for all over Ulster. In view of the approaching General Election it will be of unusual importance. On that occasion I hope to take my place with my Orange brethren. No more loyal addresses will be presented to the Prince and Princess of Wales than the Orange ones, and I hope to be able hereafter to give emphasis to them when I am Member for South Belfast; will he explain on what principle the Government consider that such declarations by a Civil Servant of his intention to seek a seat in Parliament do not constitute a breach of the Treasury Rule of November 12th 1884 (since made an Order in Council), which requires that any Civil Servant who, by an election address or "in any other manner, announces himself as a candidate," should resign his position under the Crown; is it the fact that Mr. Johnston, who threatens next 12th July "to take my place with my Orange brethren," is the same official whose repeated political speeches compelled the Irish Executive to exact from him a promise in writing that he would never again interfere in politics while a public servant; and, what course the Government will take under all the circumstances of this case?

MR. GLADSTONE

I am afraid I cannot assist the hon. and learned Member very much with regard to this matter. The Question seems to have been put to me under a very natural misapprehension. As the hon. Member is aware, it is the duty of the Treasury departmentally to take cognizance of matters with regard to the Public Service, and to promote proper regulations with respect to it. One of the matters which came under the notice of the Treasury was with reference to the candidature for seats in Parliament of gentlemen in any Public Office. This matter was considered, and an Order in Council was made on the subject which remained binding on the conduct of the different Departments of the State. The Treasury had, however, no right to interfere in a matter of this kind with the discretion of other Departments.

MR. HEALY

Will the right hon. Gentleman kindly state to whom the Question should be addressed?

MR. GLADSTONE

I must certainly put the responsibility upon my right hon. Friend the Chief Secretary for De-land (Mr. Campbell-Bannerman).

MR. HEALY

I will then address the Question to the Chief Secretary for Deland.

MR. CAMPBELL - BANNERMAN

The Question which appears in the name of the hon. and learned Member looks like one which I answered before. The circumstances of the case are engaging the attention of the Irish Government.

MR. HEALY

I would ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he will answer this passage—[Cries of "Oh!" and "Order!"] I must ask hon. Members to have a little patience. I would ask, is it a fact that Mr. Johnston is the same official whose repeated political speeches compelled the Irish Executive to exact from him a promise in writing that he would never again interfere in politics while a public servant?

MR. CAMPBELL - BANNERMAN

Mr. Johnston's written undertaking, as well as the whole matter of his alleged candidature, is being examined into and considered by the Irish Government.