HC Deb 06 March 1918 vol 103 cc1959-60
73. Mr. WATT

asked the Minister of National Service whether his attention has been called to the number of men of military age and fitness who have been for some time and are now crossing regularly between the West of Scotland and Ireland, living there some time, and recrossing to Scotland and England to conduct their business there for a limited time, thus having the advantage of being resident in Ireland while actually conducting a business in Scotland or England; and, if so, what steps does he propose to take to deal with this matter?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of NATIONAL SER VICE (Mr. Beck)

The position of men of military age who have proceeded to Ireland with the object of evading their obligations under the Military Service Acts is receiving urgent consideration of the Government Departments concerned, and in certain cases arrests have been made and proceedings are at present pending before the Irish Courts.

Mr. WATT

Are we to understand that the practice has been stopped by the hon. Member's Department

Mr. BECK

The whole question is being considered. It is not only one Department that is concerned; there are several Departments?

Mr. BILLING

Can the hon. Gentleman give any indication of the numbers of those men who have gone over

Mr. BECK

I must have notice of that question.