§ 65. Captain CRAIGasked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the developments which have taken place in Ireland since the demobilisation of certain Ulster battalions was decided upon, and in view of the desirability of giving Ulstermen the fullest opportunity of enlisting in Ulster regiments, the proposal 573 to abolish two battalions will be abandoned and the Inniskilling Fusiliers and the Royal Irish Fusiliers left as they are at present, two-battalion regiments?
§ Sir R. SANDERSMy right hon. Friend very much regrets that, although every consideration has been given to this matter, he is unable to alter the decision.
§ 66. Rear-Admiral ADAIRasked the Secretary of State for War whether the height standard for recruits of the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers has recently been raised to 5 feet 10 inches consequent on the ample numbers of men offering themselves as recruits; whether the recruiting for the Royal Irish Fusiliers is equally satisfactory; and, if so, whether he will consider the desirability of retaining the second battalions of each of these regiments?
§ Sir R. SANDERSThe height standard for recruits enlisting into the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers has recently been raised to 5 feet 10 inches, and recruiting for the Royal Irish Fusiliers has been closed. These steps have been taken so as to ensure that there will be no large surplus of men in these regiments when disbandment of the second battalions takes place.