HC Deb 23 July 1907 vol 178 cc1342-3
MR. O'SHEE (Waterford, W.)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been drawn to correspondence which has passed between Mr. Fitzgerald, of the estate office, Lismore Castle, Lismore, and the colonel commanding the Royal Engineers, Dublin Sub-district, with reference to an application for a Protestant Royal Engineer pensioner to fill the position of timekeeper and overseer on the Duke of Devonshire's estate; and whether the officer concerned has any explanation to offer of his action in the matter.

MR. BUCHANAN

It appears from the correspondence that Mr. Fitzgerald applied to the Commanding Royal Engineer in Dublin for the services of a Royal Engineer pensioner, and stipulated that he should be a Protestant. In endeavouring to obtain a man for the appointment the Commanding Royal Engineer duly specified the conditions required by Mr. Fitzgerald. The action of the Commanding Royal Engineer does not seem to require any explanation.

MR. O'SHEE

But why should facilities be given to outsiders at all, if men are to be excluded by reason of their religion?

MR. BUCHANAN

denied that any special facilities were given, and added that the War Office had no right to interfere with regard to the qualifications insisted upon by a private individual.

MR. WILLIAM REDMOND (Clare, E.)

Will the hon. Gentleman see that Catholics are informed how they are likely to be treated if they join the Army?

MR. BUCHANAN

This was not treatment applied to an individual in the Army; it was simply facilitating the employment of persons who had left the Army.

MR. FLAVIN (Kerry, N.)

Will it be made known that only Protestant ex-soldiers will be employed by the Duke of Devonshire, while Catholics will pass into the workhouse to end their days?

MR. BUCHANAN

That is a matter for the Duke of Devonshire.