§ 9. Mr. J. P. FARRELLasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that two barracks exist at Longford capable of accommodating 1,000 men; whether it has been decided to send a draft of 100 men to occupy the same; whether, particularly in England, proper accommodation in barracks for men being trained is inadequate for present needs; and, if so, can he state why such accommodation as exists at Longford is not being more fully availed of?
§ Mr. TENNANTIn the first place, I would point out the accommodation at Longford is for 600 and not for 1,000 men. As regards the second part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on the 20th December; and with reference to the two last parts of the question, I would say that it would obviously be impracticable for military reasons to quarter part of a formation in the town of Longford and the remainder in England.
§ Mr. FARRELLIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the whole of the 5th Battalion of the 18th Royal Irish Regiment was trained there under Lord Granard?
§ Mr. TENNANTThe whole of the Battalion?
§ Mr. FARRELLYes.
§ Mr. TENNANTI can only say the whole battalion would not have been 1,000 strong.
§ Mr. FARRELLThey were over 1,100 men.
§ Mr. TENNANTI did not know that.