§ MR. M'LAREN (Cheshire, Crewe)asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Whether the Rules he has laid down for the treatment of Roman Catholic priests in prison regarding their dress apply also to Protestant clergymen and ministers who may also be imprisoned?
§ MR. T. W. RUSSELL (Tyrone, S.)said, before the right hon. Gentleman answered the Question, might he ask whether he had ever had a case of a Protestant Minister imprisoned?
§ MR. SPEAKEROrder, order!
§ THE CHIEF SECRETARY (Mr. A. J. BALFOUR) (Manchester, E.)I was going to reply to the hon. Member (Mr. M'Laren) that when such a case arises I shall be glad to consider it.
§ MR. M'LARENasked, whether the Rules laid down covered such cases?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURTo answer that I should have to consult the General Regulations laid down. I apprehend they do not.
§ THE LORD MAYOR OF DUBLIN (Mr. SEXTON) (Belfast, W.)I desire to ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he has given any instructions that priests, when arrested, are to be treated 1411 with exceptional disrespect? I understand that Father Kennedy, while in his dressing room this morning at half-past 8, was arrested by a Head Constable, who broke into his bedroom by getting through the window for the purpose.
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURI have no information regarding the allegation made in the Question of the hon. Member; but I can assure him that the instructions do not direct any such action.
§ MR. SEXTONWill the right hon. Gentleman give a definite answer to the Question to-morrow?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURI shall be glad to telegraph to Dublin for information; but I do not know whether I can give it to-morrow. On Monday I shall be able to do so without doubt.