HC Deb 25 April 1895 vol 32 cc1624-5
DR. ROBERT AMBROSE (Mayo, W.)

I beg to ask the Postmaster General if he is aware that in October 1894 a complaint was lodged against the sub-postmaster of Ashleagh, County Mayo, that he had given the use of the post office room to the Church Mission Society for a night school; that he acted as reader to the church mission; that an inspector was sent down from Dublin to inquire into the matter; and that the sub-postmaster admitted being guilty of both offences; and, will he see that, the district in question being a purely Catholic one, the successor to the present sub-postmaster will also be a Catholic?

MR. W. JOHNSTON (Belfast, S.)

Before the right hon. Gentleman answers that question, I would like to ask him whether he does not consider it extremely undesirable to establish a sectarian test for official appointments in Ireland?

MR. ARNOLD MORLEY

In October last a complaint was made to the effect stated by the hon. Member. On inquiry it transpired that Mr. Courcey, who was acting as Postmaster during a vacancy, had lent the room, in which the post office duties were being temporarily carried on, to a benevolent lady for the purpose of holding a sewing class. No religious topics appear to have been introduced at the meetings; but as it was considered that a post office was not a proper place for such a purpose, the class was at once removed to other quarters.

DR. R. AMBROSE

Is it not the fact that the Church Mission Society have already removed this Postmaster?

MR. ARNOLD MORLEY

No, I am not aware of that fact.

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