28. Major NEWMANasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he will give the names of the Irish Recruiting Committee; by what Minister of the Crown they were appointed and to what Minister they are responsible; have they power themselves to issue Regulations, conditions, or inducements with regard to recruiting, and do they possess the power of posting recruits to units or of issuing instructions that a recruit if he enlists shall be appointed to any particular unit they recommend; and Will he say what remuneration, if any, is received by each or any member of the committee?
§ Mr. SHORTTThe names of the Irish Recruiting Council are at present: Serjeant A. M. Sullivan, K.C.; Sir Maurice Dockrell, D.L.; Captain Stephen Gwynn, M.P.; Henry McLoughlin, Esq., and Lieutenant-Colonel Sir John Leslie, Bart. There is no question of appointment; the first four members offered to undertake a recruiting campaign, and their offer was accepted by the Irish Government. Lieutenant-Colonel Sir John Leslie was invited to join them. They have no power to issue regulations or conditions, or to offer any inducements except such as the War Office may authorise them to offer. They have no power of posting to units, although the War Office will give every consideration to recommendations they may make. No member of the Council receives any remuneration.
§ Sir E. CARSONHave they the right to offer land as an inducement to recruits in consequence of the Viceroy's Proclamation?
§ Mr. SHORTTThey have nothing to do with land.
An HON. MEMBERCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether any members of the recruiting committee are of military age?
§ Mr. SHORTTYes; and one of them has only consented to act on the committee on being requested to do so, because he wants to go and fight.
§ Mr. LUNDONCan the right hon. Gentleman say if the name of Major Price is among them?
§ Mr. STEWARTHas the right hon. Gentleman noticed in this morning's papers the reception they got in Galway?
Mr. SHORTI do not know about this morning's papers, but I know they have had good receptions in many places.
29. Major NEWMANasked whether any nominations to military rank have been made on the recommendation of the Irish Government or other Department in connection with the scheme for recruiting on a voluntary basis; and if the gentlemen so appointed draw the pay and allowances of their rank and to what superior officer are they responsible for carrying out the duties assigned them?
§ Mr. SHORTTThe Irish Government have no power to make recommendations for nomination to military rank.