§ Mr. HUGH BARRIEasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, seeing that there are over 4,000 seamen in the Navy registered as Presbyterians and no chaplains of that religious persuasion, he is prepared to consider the desirability of appointing one commissioned Presbyterian chaplain for each fleet?
§ Mr. McKENNAEvery possible facility is given for affording religious ministration to persons of the fleet belonging to any denomination; but, in accordance with ancient and unvaried custom, the only chaplains appointed as commissioned officers in His Majesty's Navy are those of the Church of England.
§ Mr. HUGH BARRIEMay I ask for a reply to the latter part of my question?
§ Mr. McKENNAI have stated that in accordance with ancient and unvaried custom the only chaplains appointed as commissioned officers in His Majesty's Navy are those of the Church of England.
§ Mr. BARRIEHas not this ancient and unvaried custom been departed from to some extent in favour of another denomination?
§ Mr. McKENNAI am not aware of it.
§ Mr. BARRIEMay I ask if the right hon. Gentleman will receive a deputation of those specially interested in securing proper facilities for their co-religionists?
§ Mr. McKENNAPerhaps the hon. Gentleman will communicate with me privately on the subject.
§ Mr. T. L. CORBETTIf Presbyterian chaplains are appointed for the Army, why are they not appointed for the Navy?
§ Mr. McKENNAI am not aware that they are appointed for the Army.
§ Mr. CORBETTSurely you are.