§ CAPTAIN CRAIG (Down, E.)To ask the Secretary of State for War whether any Report has been received by him as to the suitability of Newtownards for carrying out the preliminary drill of recruits of the 4th battalion Royal Irish Rifles; whether he is aware that suitable barrack accommodation can be supplied on particularly advantageous terms; and whether, in view of the desirability of keeping the various battalions of the Royal Irish Rifles in their particular locality, he will reconsider the question and allow the Royal North Downs to continue their head-quarters at Newtownards.
(Answered by Mr. Secretary Haldane.) The question has been considered, and it has been decided that, the recruits must drill at the depot. The general officer commanding-in-chief reports that suitable barrack accommodation is not available at Newtownards. The head quarters of the unit will remain at Newtownards.