73. Brigadier-General Sir HACKET PAINasked the Secretary of State for War, whether, having regard to the decision to disband the second battalions of the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers and the Royal Irish Fusiliers, the Government will consent to retain the depots of these regiments in their respective areas, thereby avoiding the great loss of identity and of esprit which the amalgamation of these regiments and their depots is boun4 to cause; and if he is aware of the great opposition felt to the scheme in the counties of Tyrone, Londonderry, Fermanagh and Armagh?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for WAR (Colonel Sir R. Sanders)I can only say at present that the matter is receiving the personal consideration of my right hon. Friend. The two depots can only be retained at considerably increased cost.