§ Mr. WEDGWOODasked whether the police authorities in Ulster have been asked for a return of the names of those officers, retired or otherwise, who have been drilling the members of the Unionist clubs; and those who are opposed to the Tom Mann and the Ilkestone prosecutions are also opposed to any similar prosecutions under old Acts in Ireland?
§ The CHIEF SECRETARY for IRELAND (Mr. Birrell)The Government are keeping themselves fully informed as to drilling in Ulster, and as to the officers and others engaged in it. As regards the latter part of the question, several Members who are opposed to the prosecutions referred to have urged the Government to undertake similar prosecutions in Ireland.
§ Mr. BIRRELLI really do not know. I received a report on the drilling, the nature of which I described to the House yesterday. The drilling is still going on.
§ Mr. RONALD M'NEILLIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is a considerable amount of drilling going on in many secondary and elementary schools? Are the Government keeping their eye on that also?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThat does not arise here.
§ Mr. DEVLINIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that a number of District Inspectors of Police in Ulster have been removed from that province to other parts of Ireland because they reported on this drilling?
§ Mr. BIRRELLI do not know that.