HC Deb 04 March 1889 vol 333 cc849-50
SIR W. HARCOURT

I wish to ask the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he has any information as to occurrences which are stated in to-day's newspapers to have taken place in the Catholic Chapel of St. Peter and St. Paul in Clonmel on Sunday last, with reference to the reading of the Bishop's pastoral there, and circumstances which occurred with reference to the Catholic soldiers in that chapel?

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

No, Sir. I have no information.

SIR W. HARCOURT

If the right hon. Gentleman will kindly obtain me information I will put a Question on the Paper.

MR. SEXTON

I wish to ask the Secretary for War what orders have been given regarding Lieutenant Geoghegan, who yesterday ordered his men to leave the Catholic Church at Clonmel during Divine service. Has he any authority to take such a step? And is it not a fact that after giving the order the Lieutenant, followed by two sergeants, went out, while the men remained to the end of the service?

MR. JAMES THEOBALD (Essex, Romford)

I wish also to ask whether it is true that the priest, by his priestly influence, commanded the men to disobey the order of their officer, and that before the officer left be publicly rebuked the priest?

MR. SPEAKER

Order, order. Has the hon. Member given notice of this question?

MR. THEOBALD

Yes, Sir, I gave private notice to the Secretary of State for War.

MR. E. STANHOPE

Orders have been given that a Report be made upon the case by the General Commanding in Ireland.