HC Deb 01 August 1890 vol 347 cc1558-9

SECOND READING. [ADJOURNED DEBATE.]

Order read for resuming Adjourned Debate on Question [4th July], "That the Bill be now read a second time."

Question again proposed.

Debate resumed.

(4.31.) DR. TANNER (Cork Co., Mid)

May I ask for some explanation of the 2nd clause? I do think the right hon. Gentleman in charge of the Bill should make some explanatory statement, however brief. It appears to me ridiculous to enlist men, and then immediately transfer them to the Reserve without first giving them some suitable training.

(4.31.) MR. A. O'CONNOR (Donegal, E.)

I wish to ask whether the War Office Authorities have considered the legal effect of the Bill in respect of the men who, intending only to be Volunteers, have enlisted in the Army, and who are liable to be sent on foreign service or to be ordered out of their own districts?

*(4.32.) MR. E. STANHOPE

The hon. Member for Mid Cork has evidently-forgotten that he made the same request before, and that I have explained the object of the Bill to him. It is desired in a case of emergency to have the services of certain telegraph, postal, and railway men, and it is found to be the cheapest way to draw them from the Volunteers. One object of the Bill is to enable these men to be employed abroad if necessary in case of emergency.

Question put, and agreed to.

Bill read a second time, and committed for to-morrow.