§ 18. Viscount CURZONasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that three Irish soldiers home on leave, at Listowel, County Kerry, were surprised by armed men, deprived of their uniforms, and one wounded; and whether he will consider the advisability of disbanding Irish soldiers at the present moment, in view of the danger attendant on their return to their homes in Ireland at present?
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANSI have been asked to answer this question. With regard to the first part, the military authorities in Ireland are at present unable to confirm the facts alleged, but further inquiry is being made. With regard to the last part, I would refer my Noble Friend to the answer which I gave on the 25th ultimo to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for the Shettleston Division of Glasgow (Rear-Admiral Adair).
§ Colonel ASHLEYWill the right hon. Gentleman take steps, as he was good enough to promise some weeks ago, to bring these disbanded soldiers within the terms of reference of the Committee presided over by the hon. Baronet the Member for Chelsea (Sir S. Hoare)?
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANSAt, this moment I cannot say "Yes" or "No." I have taken steps in that direction, and I hope they will be carried out.
§ Mr. LINDSAYAre soldiers proceeding on leave to Ireland always allowed to proceed in mufti?
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANSI am afraid I must have notice of that question.