HC Deb 16 February 1900 vol 79 c233
MR. ARTHUR MOORE

I beg to ask Mr. Attorney General for Ireland whether the attention of the Irish Government has been drawn to the fact that almost all the public appointments in the city of Derry are in the hands of the Protestant minority; and whether, in view of the vacancies caused by the recent death of Sir William Miller, due consideration will be given to the claims of Roman Catholic and Nationalist medical men before filling these appointments.

MR. WILLIAM JOHNSTON () Belfast, S.

Is it not the fact that one of the city inspectorships is held by an Irish Roman Catholic Nationalist doctor?

THE ATTORNEY GENERAL FOR IRELAND (MR. ATKINSON,) Londonderry, N.

The meaning of the expression "public appointments" in the first paragraph is not very clear. If the hon. Member refers to the officers of local bodies, I would remind him that these officers are appointed independently of the Government. And as regards the officers whose appointments are subject to the control of the Government, I have no information as to the politics or religions of such officers. With respect to the second paragraph, the legitimate claims of all candidates will lie carefully considered.