78. Major NEWMANasked 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 SAMUELIn the meantime, will recruiting proceed on the basis of the land offer before the Land Bill is introduced into Parliament?
§ Sir E. CARSONMay 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. SAMUELSThis matter will come in due course before the House.
§ Mr. SAMUELCan 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. SAMUELSThe Proclamation of the Lord Lieutenant speaks for itself.
§ Mr. PRINGLECan the right hon. Gentleman say when exactly recruiting will begin in Ireland?