HC Deb 10 June 1901 vol 94 c1461
MR. NANNETTI (Dublin, College Green)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to the fact that some corps of Volunteers composed of Irish youths have for some time past been drilled in Portobello and other barracks in Dublin, and that these Volunteers are attached to English Volunteer regiments; can he state to what religious denomination they belong, and, seeing that the raising and training of Volunteers in Ireland is illegal, out of what fund the expenses are defrayed.

LORD STANLEY

Certain individuals, not corps, of Volunteers are allowed to drill with Regulars in Dublin, but their drills do not count towards efficiency; no expense is, therefore, incurred by the public, and no illegality is committed. No information is to hand as to the religion of these individuals.

MR. NANNETTI

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the police issue gun licences to these youths?

LORD STANLEY

I know nothing about it.

MR. NANNETTI

I shall put a further question.