HC Deb 08 November 1916 vol 87 cc179-80
40. Mr. ASHLEY

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the fact that men of Irish nationality, when called up from Class B, Army Reserve, and classified in Category A, arc allowed to join the Irish regiments of their choice, he will at least concede to English, Scotch, and Welsh sentiment that the system of allocating recruits to their local or county units shall be adhered to?

Mr. FORSTER

I sympathise with the point of view put forward in the latter part of my hon. Friend's question, but fear I cannot promise that what he wishes will be done.

Mr. ASHLEY

Why should an Irishman have preference over those in other parts of the United Kingdom?

Mr. DEVLIN

May I ask whether the special claims of Ireland are regarded as the claims of a nation, and not of a county?