HC Deb 07 July 1898 vol 61 cc152-3
MR. ARNOLD-FORSTER (Belfast, W.)

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the great satisfaction felt in Canada at the return of the 100th Royal Canadian Regiment, and of the refusal of any Canadian public body or individual to recognise the regiment by its recently conferred War Office title, the War Office will restore its old and famous number and name to the battalion known as "The 1st Battalion Prince of Wales' Own Leinster Regiment"; and whether he will state what connection, if any, has ever existed between the 100th Regiment and the province of Leinster, or between the 100th Regiment and the 109th Bombay Infantry, now styled by the War Office "The 2nd Battalion Prince of Wales' Leinster Regiment" (Royal Canadians)?

THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE FOR WAR (Mr. St. JOHN BRODRICK,) Surrey, Guildford

The question of the regiment's title will be considered when the results of steps now being taken to enlist men in Canada are apparent. The 100th and 109th Regiments have been linked together as the Leinster Regiment since 1881, but there was no previous connection.

MR. ARNOLD-FORSTER

May I ask the right honourable Gentleman whether he is aware that since this question has been raised it has transpired that enlistment in Canada is at a great disadvantage in consequence of the change of title? Does he know men will not enlist Unless the word "Canada" is restored?

MR. BRODRICK

It is obviously unwise to create a title unless there is some sort of connection between it and the place whence the regiment springs. It is necessary, to justify the suggested change, that there should be some disposition shown to recruit the regiment in Canada.

MR. ARNOLD-FORSTER

Is the War Office aware of the long debate which took place in the Dominion Senate on——

MR. SPEAKER

Order, order! The honourable Member is now arguing on the Question.