HC Deb 29 June 1893 vol 14 c344
MR. MAURICE HEALY (Cork)

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Admiralty how often within the past two years a Catholic Chaplain has been taken on board the Mediterranean Squadron in cases where the Squadron was cruising under circumstances which prevented the men from going to Mass on shore; and whether, in view of the small sum paid for the services of a Catholic Chaplain as compared with the sums paid to the Protestant Chaplains, and the admitted desire of the Catholic officers and sailors for a Chaplain of their own nationality, it is possible to procure the services of an additional Catholic Chaplain?

THE CIVIL LORD OF THE ADMIRALTY (Mr. E. ROBERTSON, Dundee)

I am not aware of any occasion on which a Roman Catholic priest embarked on board one of Her Majesty's ships when cruising. The question of appointing a Roman Catholic Chaplain of our own nationality will be taken into consideration when the appointment of the present Chaplain comes up for review by the Admiralty, who do not see their way at present to appoint an additional Chaplain as suggested by my hon. Friend.

MR. MAURICE HEALY

And when will the appointment come up for review?

MR. E. ROBERTSON

I believe the appointment is for five years, and about one year has now expired.