§ Mr. NEWMANasked the Chief Secretary whether his attention has been drawn to a circular, dated 26th February, issued by the trustees of the Irish Home Rule Fund to the Roman Catholic priesthood, inviting them to afford their congregations the opportunity of testifying sympathy of a practical form to the Nationalist section of Irish Members in the House of Commons; whether it has come to his knowledge that reverend gentlemen who occupy official positions in certain universities, the Congested Districts Board, and other public bodies have also been sent the 1249 circular; and whether, in view of the political nature of the appeal, he will forbid any pressure being exercised by those in said positions or those over whom they may be placed?
§ Mr. BIRRELLMy attention has not been drawn to this circular, and I have no knowledge whatever about it.
§ Mr. STANIERMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman if he could not make inquiries in regard to this circular?
§ Mr. BIRRELLSo many circulars are issued in Ireland that I do not know it is any part of my business to inquire into them. As a rule, anything of the slightest degree of importance is called to my attention. I have not heard of this circular.