HC Deb 24 March 1904 vol 132 cc608-9
MR. SLOAN

To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that the Roman Catholic chaplain of Strabane workhouse conducts mass every Sunday morning at the workhouse, to which services the outside public are admitted, and on special occasions preventing many of the inmates from gaining admission; if so, will he say whether such action is in accordance with the Poor Law regulation; and, if not, will he take steps to prevent the workhouse from being used as a place of worship by the outside public.

(Answered by Mr. Wyndham.) A complaint has been made by inmates of the workhouse' to the effect stated in the first part of the Question. It has been referred to the guardians for their consideration. The regulations do not prohibit the attendance of the public at services in the workhouse chapel; at the same time they do not contemplate any interference with the discipline and management of the workhouse.