§ 8. Sir C. YATEasked the Chief Secretary by what date all British troops will be out of Southern Ireland?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLIt is impossible at present to give a definite date for the completion of the withdrawal of British troops from Southern Ireland.
§ Sir C. YATEAre any troops specially retained in Southern Ireland at the request of the Provisional Government, or otherwise?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLNo, I have received no request from the Provisional Government on that subject.
§ Sir J. BUTCHERIn view of the anarchy now prevailing in the South and West of Ireland, and the raids that took place from the South into the North yesterday or the day before, will the right hon. Gentleman keep sufficient troops in Southern Ireland to preserve order?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLThat is a matter better dealt with in the course of debate than by question and answer. I deprecate the statement that "anarchy" prevails. There is a very unsatisfactory state of affairs, but the word "anarchy" goes far beyond the actual position.