HC Deb 29 April 1901 vol 93 cc76-7
MR. THOMAS O'DONNELL

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, as representing the Postmaster General, whether, in order to meet the growing correspondence in Ireland in the Irish language, he will take steps to secure that a knowledge of Irish be required for all future entrants to the Post Office service in Ireland.

MR. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAIN

In the Postmaster General's opinion no sufficient reason exists for requiring a knowledge of the Irish language from entrants into the Post Office service in Ireland.

MR. THOMAS O'DONNELL

Why is there no sufficient reason?

*MR. SPEAKER

Order, order! The question has been answered.

MR. THOMAS O'DONNELL

Why is not the same treatment given to Ireland in this matter as to the Welsh people?

*MR. SPEAKER

Order, order!

MR. FLAVIN (Kerry, N.)

Can the right hon. Gentleman state the actual number of letters addressed in Irish passing through the Post Office?

*MR. SPEAKER

The Financial Secretary obviously cannot answer such a question without notice.

MR. FLAVIN

Then I give notice that I will raise the question on the Estimates.

*MR. SPEAKER

The hon. Member should give notice in the ordinary way.