HC Deb 04 November 1908 vol 195 c1209
MR. MCARTHUR (Liverpool, Kirkdale)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he can state the number of Roman Catholic monastic and conventual institutions, which existed in England Ireland, Scotland and Wales respectively, in 1830, and at the last date when the last figures were published, respectively; and whether he can give the number of foreign Roman Catholic monks and nuns who have taken up their abode in the United Kingdom during the last five or ten years.

*MR. HERBERT SAMUEL

There are no official statistics on the subject.

MR. MCARTHUR

Has the hon. Gentleman any objection to endeavouring to obtain the statistics asked for in the first part of the Question?

*MR. HERBERT SAMUEL

The Home Office has no power to do so; it would require legislation for the purpose.

AN HON. MEMBER

Has the Home Office no source of information other than official information?

*MR. HERBERT SAMUEL

I am only required to give official information.