HC Deb 22 July 1903 vol 125 cc1442-3
MR. SWIFT MACNEILL (Donegal, S.)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that there are a number of Roman Catholic soldiers about 170, in the camp of the Welsh Fusiliers and the U Battery at Delamere near Northwich, and that the Reverend D. Cregan, Roman Catholic Rector of Northwich, who on former occasions administered to the spiritual wants of the Roman Catholic soldiers with the permission of a former Commanding Officer, wrote to the officer at present in command stating that he was ready and anxious to go to the camp and conduct service for these Roman Catholic soldiers, but has not received a reply or an acknowledgment of the receipt of his letter, although it was posted more than a fortnight ago; and, if so, will he state whether there is any provision made for Roman Catholic soldiers to attend divine service in this camp; and whether the Commanding Officer has any, and, if so, what explanation to give for his neglect in replying to the Reverend D. Cregan's letter; and what steps the War Office authorities propose to take in this matter.

THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY TO THE WAR OFFICE (Lord STANLEY-) Lancashire, Westhoughton

This is a matter for the General Officer Command, ing the district, to whom the hon. Member should address any communications he may think fit to make on the subject.

MR. SWIFT MACNEILL

DO I understand that the noble Lord will take no action in this matter?

LORD STANLEY

The hon. Gentleman has heard my answer.

MR. SWIFT MACNEILL

I say it is very scandalous.