HC Deb 24 June 1915 vol 72 cc1328-9
41. Sir A. MARKHAM

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been drawn to a speech made by Major-General Powell, commanding the Ulster Division in Belfast, on 8th June, to the effect that the Ulster Division was still short by 12,480 men to complete the First Division; and whether this statement was authorised?

Mr. TENNANT

My attention had not been drawn to this speech, and I have been unable to obtain a copy of it, but if it was made and if it contained the statement of shortage alleged, it was inaccurate, as the Ulster Division is considerably over strength.

Sir A. MARKHAM

May I send my right hon. Friend a copy of the "Ulster Guardian," of the 12th June, in which General Powell's speech is reported. Is he aware that in that speech General Powell is reported to have stated that the War Office had ordered him to raise three reserve battalions, and that the total strength of the Ulster Division at the present time is 17,100 men?

Mr. TENNANT

I shall be happy to receive the newspaper to which my hon. Friend refers. If the commander in question made the statement, no doubt it is correct; but that does not show that the Ulster Division is not up to strength.

Sir J. LONSDALE

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that already 535 officers and 17,200 men, besides the necessary number of Engineers and Artillery, have enlisted in the Ulster Division; that the Division is now fully made up and ready for the front, and that the numbers referred to in the question of the hon. Gentleman only refer to the reserves?

Mr. TENNANT

I think all that has been made very plain by the question and answer which has just been given.

Mr. PRINGLE

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how many these people promised to raise?

Mr. MacVEAGH

Two hundred and thirty thousand.

Mr. TENNANT

I do not know that there was any promise in that respect.

Mr. WATT

Can my right hon. Friend say how many of these have gone to the front? [An HON. MEMBER: "None."]

Mr. TENNANT

Yes, Sir, I can say, and I will tell my hon. Friend—in confidence!