6. Major NEWMANasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether, for purposes of recruiting, Ireland has been divided into ten areas, to each of which has been assigned the duty of furnishing a quota of recruits by 1st October; and has he been able to ascertain if it is the intention of the Government only to apply the Military Service Act, 1918, to such areas as have not furnished their quota of recruits by that date?
§ Mr. SHORTTThe reply to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part of the question, the matter referred to is under consideration.
§ Mr. SHORTTThe areas are already formed. The question is being considered at the present time as to the quota. I do not know what the result is.
7. Major NEWMANasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether the scheme of recruiting in Ireland which is being carried out by a Committee of four gentlemen was arrived at after consultation with and with the approval of the War Office, and is it being conducted under their supervision; and will he say whether the scheme is intended to find 1974 50,000 men to reinforce and bring to strength the Irish divisions of the New Army and Irish units of the Regular Army or to provide carpenters, mechanics, and others for non-combatant units at home?
§ Mr. SHORTTThe War Office were consulted with regard to the scheme of recruiting. The Committee act independently, but keep in touch with the Irish Command, Admiralty, and Air Force. Recruits obtained will be used as recruits in Great Britain are used.
Major NEWMANIn view of the fact that these men will be voluntary recruits and not conscripts, will they be allowed the same choice of battalions and units as men who are not conscripts?
§ Mr. SHORTTThey will be all for Irish units, and they will have their choice of regiments as far as possible.