8. Captain CRAIGasked whether the right hon. Gentleman is aware that a typewritten circular has been issued from the office of the Ennis Urban District Council, and signed by the town clerk of Ennis, in which traders and merchants are canvassed to pay for advertisements in a programme of an entertainment to be given for the benefit of the Christian Brothers in Ennis; that it is conveyed to these merchants and traders that if they pay for these advertisements they will get a preference in supplying material required by the council and paid for out of local rates; and whether he will call the attention of the Local Government Board to this use of patronage in the interest of a Roman Catholic institution in Ennis?
§ Mr. BIRRELLI have seen a copy of the circular referred to. The Local Government Board are making inquiries with regard to the action of the town clerk in the matter, but I have not yet received their Report. I have, however, received a telegram from the superior of the Christian Brothers at Ennis, stating that he entirely disapproves of the circular, which has now been withdrawn.