§ Sir CLEMENT KINLOCH-COOKEasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he can give the House any information concerning a new organisation in Ireland entitled the Irish Nationalist Boy Scouts, with headquarters in Dublin; whether he is aware that the declaration demanded from the boys joining this movement embodies a promise to work for the independence of Ireland and never to join English armed forces; and whether such organisation has the sanction of the War Office?
§ Mr. BIRRELLI am informed that such an organisation does exist, having its headquarters in Dublin, and a few branches in the country. I understand that the declaration demanded from the boys is to the effect stated in the question. The answer to the last paragraph is in the negative.
§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKECan the right hon. Gentleman say whether this association has any connection with the organisation known as the "Molly Maguires?"
§ Mr. BIRRELLI believe it is a perfectly independent and quite trivial association.
Captain CRAIGWill the right hon. Gentleman say whether he will take steps to suppress this disloyal organisation?
§ Mr. BIRRELLI do not think I will begin with boys.