HC Deb 30 July 1918 vol 109 cc214-5
22. Major NEWMAN

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the Kilkenny Corporation, at their weekly meeting on the 16th instant, refused to allow a letter from the Irish Recruiting Committee to be read; have other instances of this circular letter explaining the provisions of the recruiting scheme being not allowed to be read by local authorities occurred; and can he say what was contained in the circular letter to cause the action described?

The CHIEF SECRETARY for IRELAND (Mr. Shortt)

My hon. Friend has asked me to reply. The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. I am not aware of similar action by other local authorities. The circular letter expressed a desire to confer with the corporation as to the best methods of raising recruits by the voluntary system in Kilkenny.

Major NEWMAN

Has this Irish committee got any official status or is it an amateur body?

Mr. SHORTT

I do not know what the hon. and gallant Gentleman means by an amateur body.

Major NEWMAN

Has it got any official status? May I have an answer?

Mr. SHORTT

I do not know what the hon. and gallant Gentleman means.

Major NEWMAN

Has this body been appointed by the Irish Government, by the War Office, or by any Government Department?[HON. MEMBERS: "No!" and "What body?"]