§ 62. Mr. PATRICK WHITEasked the Secretary of State for War whether he will state the name of the commanding officer of the 5th Battalion Leinster Regiment, formerly the Meath Militia; whether he is aware that on the annual training of the men instructions were issued on their separating that they were not to join the Irish Volunteers, and that anyone so doing would be dealt with by the military authorities; whether such threats were issued with the sanction of the military authorities; and what instructions, if any, have been issued to officers with regard to their attitude towards men who wish to join the Irish Volunteers?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe name of the commanding officer is Lieut.-Colonel Farrell. He reports that the statement is wholly incorrect and that he has issued no such instructions. As regards the last part of the question, I am not aware that any instructions have been issued on the subject.