HC Deb 02 May 1881 vol 260 c1549
MR. ARTHUR O'CONNOR

asked the Secretary of State for War, Whether he will lay upon the Table a Return showing the various regiments or departments of the Army to which the 3415 recruits raised in Ireland during the year 1879 were finally posted after being passed into the service, together with the number so posted to each regiment or department?

MR. CHILDERS

Will the hon. Member be good enough to tell me, as is customary with respect to new Returns, what is his object in asking for such a Return? My hon. and gallant Friend the Member for East Aberdeenshire (Sir Alexander Gordon) has moved for a Return as to Scotch recruits with a definite object, which he explained in his speech on the Army Estimates; but I know of no reason why this detail as to to Irish recruits need be given. If he will communicate with me and explain his object, I will see whether I can meet his wishes.

MR. HEALY

asked the right hon. Gentleman, whether, if the Return were granted, it would not show that the brunt of foreign service was thrown to a very large extent upon Irish regiments?

MR. CHILDERS

No, it would not. That would require a Return showing many more particulars. If the hon. Member will inform me of his object, and I can meet it, I shall have no objection to give him the Return.