MARQUESS of TULLIBARD1NEasked whether the Government have made any provision in this year's Estimates for the movement and maintenance of troops for protection against riot or for the safeguarding of the person of Ministers who are upholding the rights of free speech; if so, under what Vote is it to be found; and, if not, will such again be made a charge against the training of the Army, or will there be a Supplementary Vote?
§ Mr. TENNANTNo specific provision was made in this year's Estimates for the moves in question.
MARQUESS of TULLIBARDINEasked whether the cost of moving and maintaining troops during the labour troubles of 1911 and in connection with the First Lord of the Admiralty's recent visit to Belfast was paid for out of the money allocated for military manœuvres, amounting in the aggregate to nearly £50,000; and whether it is usual to charge such expenses for so different a purpose without informing the House either of the intention or the fact?
§ Mr. TENNANTThe expenses referred to will be found in due course charged in the Appropriation Account of Army Votes against the proper Votes and Subheads, and not against the provision made for manœuvres. There is nothing unusual in this course of procedure.
§ Mr. JOHN WARDHas any attempt been made to get the sums expended on moving the military during 1911 from the railway companies who were responsible for their employment?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat does not arise out of this question.