§ MR. JAMES O'CONNORI beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury whether he will state how many employees under the Irish Board of Works have salaries above £400 a year, how many of them are Roman Catholics, and whether any Roman Catholics have been appointed or promoted within the last ten years to positions bearing salaries over £400 a year.
§ MR. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAINThe number of persons employed under the Irish Board of Works at salaries above £400 a year is thirteen. I have no knowledge of their religious beliefs, and must decline to make any inquiry into such matters.
§ MR. JAMES O'CONNORIs the reason for declining to make inquiry the fact that there are no Catholics?
§ MR. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAINNo, Sir. It would be gross impertinence on my part to inquire at all.