HC Deb 21 April 1921 vol 140 cc2054-6
80. Captain REDMOND

asked the Chief Secretary what steps he has taken to give effect to the assurance he gave some time ago to this House that the placing of the auxiliary forces in Ireland under military discipline and control would be immediately considered by the Govern- ment; whether these forces are still acting outside the recognised military authority in Ireland; and whether, in view of the strong expressions of opinion from many quarters in the House, he is prepared to take measures forthwith to place the auxiliary Irish forces under effective military discipline and control?

Mr. HENRY

My right hon. Friend the Chief Secretary has discussed this question fully both with the Commander-in-Chief and with his legal advisers. It is clear that only under martial law could the auxiliary division be brought under full military control. I am, however, satisfied that the arrangements at present in operation are sufficient to ensure the maintenance of the highest standard of discipline.

Captain REDMOND

Has the attention of the right hon. and learned Gentleman—if the Chief Secretary had been present I would have asked him—been called to a letter that appeared in the Press yesterday from the Prime Minister in which he described this force as a regular force; and can he now give a definition of the term "regular"?

Lieut.-Colonel GUINNESS

Apart from the question of discipline, would it not be an advantage to this gallant force to be directly under the Commander-in-Chief, as at present no one seems to be in a position adequately to arrange for their medical necessities or administrative needs?

Mr. HENRY

There are many difficulties in the way of bringing a force of this kind absolutely under military control. In the martial law areas they are under military control. Steps are being taken in the other areas, on the advice of the Commander-in-Chief, to see that discipline is properly enforced.

Lieut.-Colonel GUINNESS

Is the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware that they have no medical staff of any kind, and that when the men get wounded they have to undergo great and unnecessary suffering in consequence?

Mr. HENRY

I have already informed my hon. and gallant Friend that the military medical system is at their disposal, and I promised him that I would have the matter dealt with.

Captain REDMOND

Does the right hon. and learned Gentleman consider that this is a regular force; if so, under what code or under what control are they?

Mr. HENRY

I must have notice of that question.

Captain REDMOND

A most irregular force!

Captain ELLIOT

Will the right hon. and learned Gentleman remember that during the War every force, however small, had to have a medical equipment, even small infantry units; and can he say how it is that these units, under active service conditions, take the field without any medical equipment whatever?

Sir J. D. REES

Will the right hon. and learned Gentleman arrange to utilise some of the redundant doctors in the Health Department for this Service?

Lord R. CECIL

What are the difficulties in the way of putting this force under military discipline?

Mr. HENRY

The noble Lord is aware that you cannot bring a body of persons who have been enlisted voluntarily under one system suddenly, and under the Military Act, without their consent.

Captain W. BENN

Did not the right hon. and learned Gentleman just say that in the martial law areas that had already been done?

Mr. HENRY

Yes, but a martial law area is quite different from an ordinary area.

Mr. O'CONNOR

Is not the fact that these troops, regular and irregular, are not under proper military discipline confirmed by the fact that never in the history of modern warfare or armies have so many members of the forces been tried and convicted of heinous offences?

Mr. HENRY

I do not accept that, nor do I accept the description of them as "irregular forces." They are men who have the highest record in the Army.