§ MR. DELANY (Queen's County, Ossory)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he will state how many communications (giving dates) were received at the Merrion Street offices of the Agricultural Department, from the Catholic clerks of the veterinary branch since 1st April, 1900, in reference to their position; how many of these communications were registered as official documents, and on what dates were they respectively registered; and on what dates respectively were these communications replied to.
§ MR. WYNDHAMSeveral communications have been received by the Department from temporary clerks formerly employed in the veterinary branch, and transferred to the new Department. Their religions are unknown to the Department. The communications were duly registered as official documents, and were duly answered. I have already replied to numerous Questions addressed to me respecting the position of these clerks. It would be subversive of official discipline, and opposed to precedent, to enter into details of the character suggested by the hon. Member, and I must decline, in the circumstances, to give the information he desires.
§ MR. DELANYWhy is this disability imposed by the Department?
§ MR. WYNDHAMThe hon. Member has no right to say any disability is imposed.
§ MR. DELANYI am only suggesting what I am in a position to prove?