HC Deb 01 November 1916 vol 86 cc1687-8
33. Mr. HAZLETON

asked the Secretary for War if he is yet in a position to give the figures showing the number of men who have offered themselves for enlistment in Ireland since the outbreak of war and who have been rejected for service on medical or other grounds?

Mr. FORSTER

It is not possible to give exact figures, as many men are rejected more than once, after applying at different places. Since the outbreak of war, however, there have been 29,000 instances of rejection in Ireland.

Mr. HAZLETON

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the Secretary of State for War gave the figure 50,000 the other day?

Mr. FORSTER

No, Sir. I should think that very likely it was a lapse of memory.