HC Deb 02 April 1908 vol 187 c665
CAPTAIN CRAIG

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether he can state exactly the status of Irish Militia and Yeomanry officers under the new Territorial Army scheme; how far such scheme extends to Ireland; whether he could lay upon the Table a short statement of the conditions under which officers and men joining the Militia and Yeomanry in future will be recruited; and whether existing officers and new ones joining are liable for compulsory service abroad in time of war.

MR. HALDANE

There is no Territorial Force in Ireland. The conditions under which officers and men of the Irish Militia may join the Special Reserve are shown in detail in Special Army Order of 23rd September, 1907. A similar order as regards the Irish Yeomanry will shortly be issued. Both officers and men of the Irish Militia who join the Special Reserve at the present time or officers and men who do so in the future will join with a liability to serve abroad in the event of war. A similar condition will be imposed upon the Irish Yeomanry.

CAPTAIN CRAIG

asked what course was open to the officers of the Irish Militia.

MR. HALDANE

said they could join the Special Reserve.

CAPTAIN CRAIG

But if they do not want to join the Special Reserve?

MR. HALDANE

The Militia as such ceases to exist, and the Special Reserve takes its place.