§ Sir JOHN LONSDALEasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that a Mr. J. A. Ronayne, a second division clerk in the office of the Irish Land Commission during last winter, read a paper 557 at the Roman Catholic University College advocating Home Rule, in company with the hon. Member for East Mayo, and, on the 21st December last, acted as honorary secretary to and read an address at a banquet given to a man named Dalton, got up for the purpose of advocating Home Rule, in company with the hon. Members for East Mayo and West Belfast; whether during the last six months this clerk has been called on officially to explain his absence from his duties without leave when carrying on a Home Rule propaganda; whether he is to be permitted to continue such conduct; and, if so, will other Civil servants be allowed time from their official duties to point out the dangers of Home Rule?
§ Mr. BIRRELLI understand that Mr. Ronayne, who is a minor staff officer in the office of the Estates Commissioners, was auditor of a college debating society last year, and delivered an inaugural address at its opening meeting at which the hon. Member for East Mayo also spoke. He has not been absent without leave, and the Commissioners know nothing of the banquet referred to. They do not allow any of their officials to take an active part in politics, and the same rule applies to the rest of the Civil Service.