HC Deb 06 August 1918 vol 109 cc1095-6
87. Mr. NUGENT

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that dissatisfaction exists in Ireland with the action of the Government in appointing Mr. Forsyth as Secretary to the Irish Post Office; if he will state what Irish experience Mr. Forsyth has and the length of his service in Ireland and in Great Britain; if he is aware that it has been announced that Mr. Forsyth was a prominent Mason, as if that was his chief qualification; if he is aware that this is the reason given for passing over Mr. J. J. Coonan, who has discharged the position of assistant-secretary with efficiency and exceptional ability; if Mr. Coonan has been passed over because he is a Catholic; and if he will state the postal service of Mr. Coonan and why he was passed over?

The POSTMASTER-GENERAL (Mr. Illingworth)

I am not aware of any-general dissatisfaction in Ireland with this appointment. Mr. Forsyth has spent thirty-three years in the Post Office service in Ireland and one in England. His Irish service included ten years in Limerick, twenty years in Dublin and three years in Belfast. I have no knowledge as to whether he is or is not a Mason. Mr. Coonan has had thirty-four years' service in the Post Office in Ireland. I appointed Mr. Forsyth because I considered he was the best qualified officer for the post.

Mr. NUGENT

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that Mr. Coonan acted as assistant secretary for a number of years, having, therefore, greater experience than Mr. Forsyth, and, according to the statement made by the right hon. Gentleman, longer service; that it has been publicly announced in the Press that one of the reasons for the appointment of Mr. Forsyth is that he is a prominent Mason, that three-fourths at least of the staff of the Post Office in Ireland are Catholics, and that this matter has already created a very serious feeling in Ireland?

Mr. ILLINGWORTH

I cannot be responsible for what is published in the Press. I am not aware that he is a Mason. I am certainly not one myself. I may say that I have received a letter from Mr. Coonan protesting against the interference of hon. Members in his private affairs.

Mr. NUGENT

The right hon. Gentleman has stated that Mr. Coonan has longer service and he has greater experience because he has occupied the position of assistant secretary, and can the right hon. Gentleman give any reason for his being passed over? It is a matter of indifference to me whether Mr. Coonan likes it or dislikes it. I want to see fair play.

Mr. ILLINGWORTH

He is passed over because Mr. Forsyth is more suitable.

Mr. REDDY

The hidden hand!