HC Deb 09 July 1918 vol 108 cc155-6
78. Major NEWMAN

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether the Irish Government and the two other Government Departments concerned have now completed their arrangements for the further enrolling of 50,000 recruits for the British Army by 1st October; and when the Bill to enable the Estates Commissioners to distribute untenanted land to those who have enlisted will be introduced?

The ATTORNEY-GENERAL for IRELAND (Mr. Samuels)

The Irish Recruiting Council are actively engaged in the prosecution of the task entrusted to them. I am informed that the administrative details of their organisation are almost complete, and that the work of recruiting will be commenced as soon as possible. As regards the latter part of the question, I am at present unable to specify a date for the introduction of the Bill.

Mr. HERBERT SAMUEL

In the meantime, will recruiting proceed on the basis of the land offer before the Land Bill is introduced into Parliament?

Sir E. CARSON

May I ask whether any scheme has been published for the distribution of untenanted land, to whom applications are to be made, and whether any applications have already been received?

Mr. SAMUELS

This matter will come in due course before the House.

Mr. SAMUEL

Can I press the right hon. Gentleman for an answer to my question as to whether recruiting will proceed in Ireland on the basis of the offer of land before the necessary legislation is introduced into Parliament?

Mr. SAMUELS

The Proclamation of the Lord Lieutenant speaks for itself.

Mr. PRINGLE

Can the right hon. Gentleman say when exactly recruiting will begin in Ireland?