§ MR. SLOAN (Belfast, S.)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that on pay days in Custom House, Dublin, nuns are allowed to go from desk to desk begging alms; and whether he intends putting a stop to the practice.
§ MR. WYNDHAMI am informed that the alleged practice does not exist in any of the Departments located in the Custom House. It appears, however, that in the Department of the Collector of Customs the nuns of the Order of the Little Sisters of the Poor have visited the Office from time to time to receive alms voluntarily contributed to their charity, but that they have never solicited alms, nor have they acted in the manner suggested in the Question. I understand that an official formerly employed in this Department is at present under the care of these nuns.
§ MR. TULLYWhen does the right hon. Gentleman propose to re-enact the penal laws in Ireland against priests and nuns?
§ MR. WYNDHAMI am not aware of what the hon. Member for South Belfast alleges. I understand that there is no solicitation for alms.
§ MR. WYNDHAMAs at present advised, I do not propose to intervene.