HC Deb 23 March 1922 vol 152 cc643-4
43. Captain FOXCROFT

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what, having regard to the relative populations of Great Britain and Ireland, and to the existing military establishments in Great Britain, is the maximum number of the military defence force of the Irish Free State authorised by Clause 8 of the Treaty; what is the present number of the military defence force of the Irish Free State; what is the present number of armed volunteers and police respectively in Southern Ireland; and whether either armed volunteers and police, or both, are to be taken into account in estimating the maximum number of the military defence force permissible under Clause 8 of the Treaty?

Sir H. GREENWOOD

I must refer the hon. and gallant Member to the Debate on the 8th instant, when this matter was fully discussed on the Report stage of the Irish Free State (Agreement) Bill, and to the reply which I gave to the hon. and gallant Member for Burton on the 16th instant. I regret that I am unable to add anything to these statements.

Colonel NEWMAN

Can a man be a member of this Defence Force who is not in uniform?

Sir H. GREENWOOD

I am afraid I cannot answer that without notice.