§ MR. REMNANT (Finsbury, Holborn)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether His Majesty's troops are to be used to keep the course for the Gordon-Bennett motor race in Ireland; and, if so, on what grounds he has granted the use of the troops for this police duty.
§ MR. BRODRICKThere is no intention of using His Majesty's troops to keep the course for the Gordon-Bennett motor race. The civil power have the right to call for the assistance of the troops in case of riot or disturbances, but I am advised that this would not include their use for such purposes as are indicated in the Question. The officer commanding any troops would, of course, be justified in establishing pickets at any place which might be necessary to preserve order among the troops under his command.
§ MR. REMNANTHave not orders been given to the troops to keep themselves in readiness from six o'clock in the morning until three in the afternoon?
§ MR. BRODRICKI am not aware of it. I have consulted the authorities, and have given the hon. Member the answer which I have received.
§ MR. FLAVIN (Kerry, N.)Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the military have been used in connection with evictions in Ireland?
§ [No answer was returned.]
§ MR. LEAMY (Kildare, N.)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland if he will say on whom will fall the expenses of the extra
† See page 1161.1314 police necessary for the protection of the public during the motor race for the Gordon-Bennett cup.
§ THE CHIEF SECRETARY FOR IRELAND (MR. WYNDHAM,) DoverI am in communication with the Treasury on the subject.
§ MR. WYNDHAMAt an early date, which I may be able perhaps to indicate in the course of this evening.