21. Captain CRAIGasked whether envelopes are constantly finding their way into the hands of the public stamped with the official frank of the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland and marked official paid, Dublin, by the Post Office authorities, although such envelopes convey nothing but the reports of the Collier Memorial Dispensary, of Charles Street, Dublin; and whether it is in acordance with the custom for any such institution to be 591 specially subsidised over others of a similar nature through having its literature franked from the seat of Government?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe answer to the first paragraph of the question is in the negative. As regards the second paragraph, I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to my replies to previous questions on this subject.
Captain CRAIGIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that I have seen these envelopes myself, and that there can be no mistake?
§ Mr. BIRRELLAll that has been done, so far as I understand the matter, is that the stationery employed for these public and social purposes does not bear the Royal Arms, nor is it supplied at the public expense. It is in accordance with custom of long standing at the Vice-Regal Lodge that in connection with matters of public interest or social or charitable purposes His Excellency's frank is always used.
§ Mr. SWIFT MacNEILLHas not this custom been in vogue for the last fifty years?
§ Mr. BIRRELLI know it is an old custom.
Captain CRAIGIs the right hon. Gentleman not aware that there is a regular Grant made for the very purpose of enabling the Lord Lieutenant to carry out his social obligations without franking these letters?
§ Mr. BIRRELLI am only saying that has been the practice. If the House chooses to condemn it, I am sure it will not matter to me, but in matters of public interest, or social or charitable objects, it has always been the practice.