§ Lieut.-Colonel HURST(by Private Notice) asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the recent decision to disband Irish regiments and in view of the disturbed state of Ireland, any steps are taken to safeguard the lives of officers and soldiers who are about to proceed on leave to their homes or elsewhere in that country?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for WAR (Sir Laming Worthington-Evans)No special military protection can be given to officers and men on leave in Ireland.
§ Lieut.-Colonel HURSTDoes my right hon. Friend advise these men to apply for safe conducts to the Provisional Government?
Sir L. WORTH INGTON-EVANSAs my hon. and learned Friend knows, they are not obliged to go to Ireland, and I am afraid that if they do go to Ireland they must go at their own risk. I cannot provide military protection for men on leave.