§ MR. W. JOHNSTONI beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, as representing the Postmaster General, whether Mr. Grimes, recently appointed postmaster of Pomeroy, was recommended by the Rev. Father M'Cartan in a personal interview with the Postmaster General, and on what grounds; whether recently in three post offices in county Tyrone vacancies were filled up by the appointment of three Roman Catholics in succession to three Protestants; and if he will give a Return specifying the 270 number of such cases that have occurred in Ulster since the present Government came into office?
§ MR. HANBURYThe Postmaster General has no recollection that Mr. Grimes was recommended to him by the Rev. Father M'Cartan. Indeed, he does not know who the Father M'Cartan is to whom the honourable Member refers. He is not aware of the religion of the officers who recently held, or who have recently been appointed to postmaster-ships in Tyrone; and as he considers it undesirable to make inquiries into the religious opinions of his staff he cannot consent to give the Return which the honourable Member asks for.
§ MR. W. JOHNSTONMay I add that I quite agree with the Postmaster General.