§ 16. Mr. CAIRNSasked the Chief Secretary whether the Government applied to the Young Men's Christian Association and the Church Army to provide recreation huts for the use of the auxiliaries in Ireland; whether this request was refused by both bodies; and whether the reason given for this refusal was the character of the Government policy in Ireland?
§ Sir H. GREENWOODRecreation huts for the benefit of police and auxiliaries in certain places have very kindly been supplied by the Young Men's Christian Association. The reply to the second and third parts of the question is in the negative. I should be obliged if the hon. Member would inform me of the the source of this untrue and mischievous allegation.
§ Viscountess ASTORThe right hon. Gentleman's policy is to encourage the Y.M.C.A., but is it not true that the Army authorities are against it, because they are encouraging the canteens, which is quite natural during peace, but at this moment is it not a great good to the country of Ireland that you can get the Y.M.C.A. there, and will he promise that he will give them all the help he can?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat is a question for the War Office, and notice of it should be given.