§ 72. Major NEWMANasked the Under secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the Archbishop of Dublin has urged all young men in his archdiocese to 1095 join up at once without waiting for the application of the Military Service Act or calling-up notice; and will he make it clear, by poster or otherwise, that special privileges in the choice of branch of the Service or battalion are given to those thus joining voluntarily before the date of their calling-up notice?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONIrish recruits are posted to the corps of their choice—i.e., to the regiment or arm of the Service which they desire to join—provided they possess the necessary qualifications and are medically fit, and that vacancies exist in the corps. These instructions have been in force for a considerable time, and are believed to be generally well known. It is not considered necessary to give further publicity in the manner suggested by my hon. and gallant Friend in the last part of his question.
§ Major NEWMANIf Conscription is enforced, surely the last privilege would not be allowed to men coming under it?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONI think the War Office is perfectly prepared to meet the Irish population. If there are vacancies in the Irish regiments the War Office will be perfectly prepared to put Irish soldiers there.
§ Major NEWMANEven with Conscription?