HC Deb 11 January 1916 vol 77 cc1429-30
50. Mr. MITCHELL-THOMSON

asked what is the Government's estimate of the unexhausted reservoir of single men of military age in Ireland after deducting those who cannot on national grounds be spared from their present occupations?

Mr. BIRRELL

All the figures I am about to give are approximate estimates. It has been estimated that there are in Ireland at present something approaching 400,000 unattested single men of military age. What deduction ought to be made from this estimated number in order to be able to answer the question put to me by the hon. Member?

First, it is estimated that there are in Ireland at present 250,000 single men of military age engaged in agriculture. How many of these can be spared I am not prepared off-hand to say, but certainly a large deduction must be made on this account.

Secondly, it is estimated that there are 25,000 single men of military age engaged on munition and shipyard work and 10,000 on railways and in sea-faring occupations.

Thirdly, a deduction must be made for those men who will prove to be medically unfit.

Were I to estimate that half of those engaged in agriculture are necessary in Ireland, we should start with a deduction of 125,000 men to which have to be added the 25,000 and the 10,000 referred to above, and if we take Lord Derby's estimate of 40 per cent., a further deduction of 160,000 men must be made for those who would prove to be medically unfit. These deductions amount altogether to 320,000 men, so that the final reservoir which remains is 80,000 men

Mr. MITCHELL-THOMSON

Do I understand the right hon. Gentleman's view is that the deduction on medical grounds in an agricultural community could be safely put as high as the figure given?

Mr. BIRRELL

I did not say so. I said Lord Derby's estimate was a high one, but, taking his average, that was the figure.

Mr. LOUGH

Does the right hon. Gentleman remember that yesterday he stated that the total available number of men of military age in Ireland was 467,000?

Sir EDWARD CARSON

No; 562,000.

Mr. LOUGH

I am speaking of the number after those who had enlisted; and, if so, how he estimates 400,000 single men?

Mr. BIRRELL

As I say, it is an approximation. I have not got the marriage lines of all these gentlemen. Statisticians show that out of the total number of men unattested in Ireland that number would probably be a fair one.

Sir E. CARSON

Has any register been composed of these men under the Registration Act?

Mr. BIRRELL

No, Sir.

Sir E. CARSON

Why not?

Mr. BIRRELL

There was not a register taken.