§ MR. SWIFT MACNEILLI beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for War how many regiments of Irish Militia have been deported from Ireland to Great Britain since the outbreak of the present war, and how many regiments of British Militia are at present serving in Ireland; why have Irish Militia regiments been removed from Ireland while British Militia regiments have been brought to Ireland to serve in their place; and on what ground are Irish Militia regiments precluded from the garrisoning of Ireland.
§ * MR. WYNDHAMSeven Irish regiments have been sent to England, and fourteen English regiments to Ireland; three Irish regiments are serving in Ireland. The distribution of these battalions was decided by the War Office in consultation with the military authorities in Ireland.
§ MR. SWIFT MACNEILLMay I ask the hon. Gentleman why are not Irish regiments allowed to protect their own country with arms in their hands? Why are they sent away?
§ * MR. W. JOHNSTON (Belfast, S.)Because they are rebels.
§ MR. DILLON (Mayo, E.)Mr. Speaker, may I ask you whether Irish rebels are good enough to fight behind in the Transvaal?