§ MR. J. P. FARRELL (Longford, N.)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether Private Pitt, of the artillery force now stationed at Longford, who on a recent occasion threatened the Rev. Joseph Skelly, P.P., Newtownforbes, with assault, and at the same time used language of an insulting character to him, has since been raised to the rank and pay of a sergeant; and, if so, can he 1040 state the grounds upon which this soldier has been raised so suddenly in the ranks after this insult to a Catholic priest.
§ MR. ARNOLD-FORSTERI have no information whatever on the matter alluded to in the Question. I would suggest that the hon. Member refer the matter to the General Officer Commanding the Third Army Corps.
§ MR. J. P. FARRELLI certainly shall not do that.
§ MR. SWIFT MACNEILLMay ask, as a matter of order, whether the right hon. Gentleman is not himself responsible for the management of the Army. Can any communication be held between officers of the Army and Members of this House?
§ * MR. SPEAKERThat is not a matter of order. It is not for me to say what are the exact functions of a Minister.
§ MR. DELANY (Queen's County, Ossory)Have we not a right to refer to the right hon. Gentleman for information on these matters?
§ * MR. SPEAKERI see nothing irregular in the Answer.
§ MR. SWIFT MACNEILLThis is important. Have we as Members of Parliament any right whatever to communicate with military officers, and are they under any obligation to communicate with us, while there is a Minister to act as intermediary?
§ * MR. SPEAKERThat is not a question of order.
§ MR. SWIFT MACNEILLIt is one of taste.
§ MR. J. P. FARRELLI shall call attention to this on the Army Vote.
§ MR. WHITLEY (Halifax)The right hon. Gentleman referred to the Third Army Corps. Is such a Corps existing?
§ [No Answer was returned.]