HC Deb 14 March 1916 vol 80 cc1863-4
35. Mr. JOHN REDMOND

asked the Under-Secretary for War whether a school of instruction for non-commissioned officers to be drawn from the Royal Irish Constabulary has been opened in Dublin; whether the military authorities have limited the number of men to be admitted to this school from the Royal Irish Constabulary to the number of 100; if so, what is the reason for this limitation; and what steps are to be taken to obtain the 1,000 recruits which we asked for from the Royal Irish Constabulary some time ago by Lord Kitchener?

Mr. TENNANT

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative, and as regards the second part the military authorities will take, and the civil authorities will, I am informed, release for the purpose as many men from the Royal Irish Constabulary as are willing to attend the school of instruction in Ireland for non-commissioned officers, provided that these men have the necessary qualifications. Those who have not been included in the present course will be called up for one which will be held a little later on. When the 150 going through the present course have enlisted there will be 782 members of the force serving in the Navy and the Army. In addition some thirty-eight police sergeants are acting as instructors at the School of Musketry in Ireland, and a large number of men are performing duties under arms which must have been carried out by the Naval and Military Forces had the Constabulary not been available. Every encouragement has been given to the men to come forward to enlist and lately to join the school of instruction referred to in the question.

Mr. REDMOND

Do I understand there is no limit to the number in this school of instruction?

Mr. TENNANT

There will be no limit excepting so far as the possibilities of the school of instruction go. There will be no limit to the establishment, but the school cannot take more than a certain number.

Mr. REDMOND

Is there any reason why it should not be possible to admit a larger number?

Mr. TENNANT

I do not know of any, but I should imagine the school has its full complement.