HC Deb 19 February 1914 vol 58 cc1112-3
20. Mr. NEWMAN

asked the Chief Secretary whether he has received information to the effect that there is in Ireland a force of at least 110,000 men, consisting of members of the Irish National Volunteers, the Ulster Volunteers, and the Dublin Citizen Force, under active military-training; whether the Irish Government are of opinion that the 10,000 men of the Royal Irish Constabulary will be sufficient to deal with any situation which may arise in the near future; and, if not, will he state the measures that it is proposed to take?

Mr. BIRRELL

I have received no such information, and the Irish Government is of opinion that the forces at its disposal are adequate to deal with any situation which may arise.

Mr. NEWMAN

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that recruiting for Irish National Volunteers is very active? I was asked to join the other day!