HC Deb 01 November 1916 vol 86 cc1683-4
3. Mr. HAZLETON

asked how many persons who offered themselves for service in the Navy from Ireland since the outbreak of war were rejected on medical or other grounds?

Dr. MACNAMARA

The information is not available.

Mr. HAZLETON

Will the right hon. Gentleman not be able to get it?

Dr. MACNAMARA

I am afraid not. The recruiting officer is not required to keep returns for more than twelve months. I can only get the information up to that period.

Mr. HAZLETON

Is the practice in the Admiralty different from that in the War Office. If returns are available for the War Office, why not for the Admiralty?

Dr. MACNAMARA

If they are available at the War Office they can be got. I have not seen them for a later period.

4. Mr. HAZLETON

asked how many persons have been recruited for the Navy from Ireland since the outbreak of war; and whether the number so recruited is in addition to the official figure of 105,000 given by the Secretary of State for War as the total net number who have been enlisted for service in the Army?

Dr. MACNAMARA

Exact figures are not available, but it is estimated that the number recruited for the Naval Service from Ireland from the outbreak of war to 30th September, 1916, is, approximately, 4,500. This is in addition to the figure of 105,000 given by my right hon. Friend.

Mr. HAZLETON

Can the right hon. Gentleman say why the exact figures are not available? Does not the Admiralty know how many men they have recruited from Ireland?

Dr. MACNAMARA

Yes; I gave them up to 30th September, 1916. The figure is, approximately, 4,500.

Mr. HAZLETON

Why approximately?