§ 61. Mr. G. LOCKER-LAMPSONasked the Postmaster-General whether, under the Government of Ireland Bill, it is intended to withdraw the Royal Engineers now employed in maintaining and working a large part of the Post Office and railway telegraphs in Ireland; if so, how it is proposed to afford the Royal Engineers facilities for practice in the maintenance of railway telegraphs; and, if it is not intended to withdraw them, how it is proposed that the Irish Government should fill their places if at any time they are required to take part in the operations of an expeditionary force?
§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELNo decision has yet been arrived at on this point.
§ Mr. G. LOCKER-LAMPSONWhen will a decision be arrived at?
§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELIt is obvi[...]ly premature to settle a question of detail of that kind until the Bill has passed.
§ Mr. MITCHELL-THOMSONWill a statement be made to the House on the point before the arrangement is completed?
§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELNo, Sir, not on a detail of administration such as that.