§ 18. Mr. GRETTONasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he has information and, if so, will he state for what purpose the Nationalist Volunteers in Ireland are being drilled and armed?
§ Mr. BIRRELLI have no information as to the purpose for which the Irish National Volunteers are being drilled and armed beyond the statements of the promoters of the movement which have been published in the daily Press, but the existence of this force and its object appear to me to be sufficiently explained by the existence of the Ulster Volunteer Force.
§ Mr. GRETTONWill the right hon. Gentleman take steps to inform himself as to why the National Volunteers are being drilled and armed, and does he consider that the matter is of sufficient importance to claim the attention of the Government?
§ Mr. BIRRELLCertainly, they themselves have given full information in many proclamations and documents printed and published verbatim in the Press, which I have seen, and I dare say other Members have seen.
§ Mr. GRETTONAm I to understand the reply of the right hon. Gentleman is given as the official answer on behalf of the Government?
§ Mr. BIRRELLYes, Sir, certainly.