HC Deb 17 February 1914 vol 58 c750
18. Mr. HUNT

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the fact that 58,000 men of the Regular Army were required during the railway strike in 1911, and that a similar strike may occur at any time, he can say about what number of Regular troops would be available, without calling out the Regular Reserve, for the coercion of Ulster and keeping the peace in the rest of Ireland, when those unfit for active service from age or want of training or musketry inefficiency had been eliminated?

Colonel SEELY

I cannot undertake to answer hypothetical questions.

Mr. HUNT

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether it would be necessary to call out the Regular Reserves for the purpose of coercing 100,000 trained armed men in Ulster?

Colonel SEELY

I can only repeat the answer I have given.