§ Viscount WOLMERasked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that the Rev. H. M. S. Bankart was summarily dismissed on 18th February last from the chaplaincy of Lancaster County Asylum because he had assisted his fellow asylum workers in forming a trades union; whether he is aware that Mr. Bankart was not then allowed to conduct Divine service the following Sunday, 19th February, and that, therefor, no service was held on that day; and, if so, whether he will address a remonstrance to the authority responsible?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLThe matter is entirely one for the visiting committee of the asylum, and I have no authority to interfere. I am informed, however, that Mr. Bankar was given the opportunity of resigning. The complaint against him was not that he had assisted in forming a trades union of asylum workers, but that he had improperly absented himself from his duties and had posted up an unauthorised notice in the asylum. I am also informed that no Church of England service was held at the asylum on the Sunday referred to, and I am communicating with the committee on this point.