§ MR. JOHN O'CONNOR (Kildare, N.)To ask the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that on last St. Patrick's Day, which is in Ireland a religious festival and a statutory national holiday, there was a field day for the garrisons of Newbridge, Kildare, and the Curragh, the Catholic troops being thus unable to assist at divine service and the, inhabitants of the area covered by those operations being put to inconvenience; and whether steps will be taken in future that field days will be fixed on days other than St. Patrick's Day or other Catholic holidays.
(Answered by Mr. Secretary Arnold-Forster.) The responsibility for the training and exercise of the troops in Ireland rests with the General Commanding-in-Chief there, and it is not desirable to interfere with his discretion in these matters. I will, however, under the special circumstances bring this particular matter to his notice.