§ Mr. MOLES(by Private Notice) asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether on 15th inst. a party of soldiers on duty were refused transport from Waterford to Kilkenny, the driver of the train refusing to act on the ground that the 1259 soldiers carried ammunitions; whether it is a fact that only half the men had rifles and that none of them carried any ammunition; whether the adjutant at Waterford on being sent for withdrew the soldiers who had rifles, the remainder proceeding entirely unarmed to their destination; whether it is the policy of the Government to send soldiers unarmed and without ammunition through areas where large numbers of Government officials have been assassinated, or whether it is proposed to give them proper protection; and what action it is proposed to take in this matter in view of the grave position of affairs in large areas of Ireland.
§ Sir A. WILLIAMSONI have been asked to answer this question. I regret the hon. Member's question reached me too late to go into the matter. I can only say that no official Report of this incident has yet been received, but that I am now in communication with the military authorities in Ireland on the whole question.
§ Mr. MOLESCan the right hon. Gentleman not answer the latter part of the question, as to what is the policy in respect to this matter?
§ Sir P. LLOYD-GREAMEWould the right hon. Gentleman say whether any instructions have been given by the Government to the railway companies in Ireland as to the action they are to take when incidents like this arise?
§ Sir W. DAVISONDoes not the right hon. Gentleman think the time has now arrived to cease the attempt to put down an armed rebellion by means of unarmed men?
§ Mr. BILLINGIs it a fact that any orders have been given to any senior officers to move their men unarmed over any particular area?
§ Sir A. WILLIAMSONI am afraid I cannot answer all these questions offhand. If hon. Members will put down questions, I will do my best to give them the information. I understand that the policy is to protect our soldiers, and steps are being taken to that end.
§ Mr. MOLESDoes the right hon. Gentleman suggest that that policy is being pursued when an adjutant disarmed these men?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe right hon. Gentleman has had no notice of these matters. If these questions are regarded as important, I think the hon. Members ought to give notice of them.
Sir F. HALLI was only going to ask whether, if the right hon. Gentleman has any reply to, his telegram by to-night, he will be good enough to give it on the Adjournment.
§ Sir A. WILLIAMSONYes, I shall be very pleased to do that.