§ CAPTAIN DONELAN (Cork, E.)I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that, owing to the absence of any proper accommodation for the celebration of Catholic religious services at Carlisle Fort, county Cork, these services have to be conducted in a room altogether unfit for the purpose, although a large number of Catholic soldiers are frequently quartered there; and whether he will cause inquiries to be made with a view to the provision of a suitable building?
MR. POWELL WILLIAMSThe general officer commanding reports that there is adequate accommodation for the 945 ordinary garrison at Fort Carlisle for Roman Catholic soldiers attending Divine service, and that the room used is considered quite fit for the purpose. There is no large number of troops there except when Militia are under training, and as that takes place during the summer months and the men are under canvas, arrangements for Divine service can be made as at other camps.
§ CAPTAIN DONELANMay I ask the hon. Gentleman whether the Catholic clergyman who performs the services at Carlisle Fort considers the accommodation entirely insufficient?
MR. POWELL WILLIAMSNo, Sir; I understand that he considers the accommodation perfectly sufficient for about 10 months of the year. At the time the Militia are assembled there is no doubt some crowding, but then the troops are under canvas, and arrangements have been made for the conduct of Divine service in a marquee.
§ CAPTAIN DONELANIs the hon. Gentleman aware that in the opinion of the Catholic clergy the room provided is totally unsuitable?
§ MR. SPEAKEROrder, order! That is a repetition of the Question which has already been answered.