HC Deb 18 December 1916 vol 88 c1113
41. Mr. GINNELL

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether it is in pursuance of instructions from the War Office that Mr. MacMillan, hay buyer for the Army in county Wexford, having the use of a motor car for himself and of motor bicycles for several assistants, and having several clerks, all Protestants, has offensively boasted that he will not employ a Catholic; and, if this boast does not represent the policy of the present Government, will the practice be stopped in this and other cases?

Mr. FORSTER

I have no information as to the alleged statement by Mr. MacMillan. The War Office has, of course, not issued instructions of the kind suggested.

Mr. LUNDON

Was the appointment of twelve Protestant employés in the county of Wexford due to recommendations made by the hon. Member for Derry, who is the only Irish representative on the Forage Commission, and, in view of the fact that this hon. Member is a large exporter of all kinds of Irish produce, will the Government, or whoever is responsible for the formation of the Commission, see that an Irishman who is absolutely uninterested as regards forage of every kind will be appointed on the Commission?

Mr. FORSTER

Perhaps the hon. Member will give me notice of that. It does not arise out of the question on the Paper.

Mr. DEVLIN

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that this sort of thing does not help recruiting in Ireland?

Mr. FORSTER

I am informed that the authorities at the War Office are making inquiries into the allegations contained in the question.