§ MR. MACVEAGH (Down, S.)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that nearly 80 per cent. of the public offices, stipendiary and honorary, within the gift of the Government in Ireland are held by Episcopalians, who constitute only 13 per cent. of the population, to the exclusion of Roman Catholics and Presbyterians; and whether he will assent to the preparation of a detailed Parliamentary Return showing the precise number of appointments held by Roman Catholics, Presbyterians, and Episcopalians, and members of other denominations respectively.
§ MR. WYNDHAMThe Government, as I have already stated, has no official cognisance of the religious denominations applicable to persons occupying official positions in Ireland, excepting in respect of resident magistrates, police officers, and the Commissioners of National and Intermediate Education. The figures in these cases would seem to suggest that the hon. Member has arrived at an erroneous result. The Question is speculative, and cannot be officially determined. I am, therefore, unable to give the Return asked for.
§ MR. MACVEAGHCannot the right hon. Gentleman give a Return so far as the public bodies are concerned?
§ MR. WYNDHAMsaid the Return with regard to the police and justices of the peace would be brought up to date. As to other appointments, he had no information, and he did not propose to start an inquisition.