§ 33. Rear-Admiral ADAIRasked the Prime Minister whether any provision is being made to meet the case of loyal Irishmen disbanded from the Irish regiments being unable to return to their homes in Ireland in consequence of danger incurred in so doing?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for WAR (Sir Laming Worthington-Evans)I have been asked to answer this question. These men, unless retained in the Army by transfer, will receive the same benefits as those provided by Army Order 180 for other men compulsorily discharged. If any of them are unable to return to their homes in Ireland, their cases should be brought before the Committee presided over by the hon. and gallant Baronet the Member for Chelsea.
§ Rear-Admiral ADAIRAs a matter of fact, are the Government alive to the fact that officers are included as well as rank and file in this question, and is there not very grave danger to these officers if they return to Ireland?
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANSOfficers are, of course, included in this Order; my answer applies to them equally with the men.
§ Sir S. HOAREIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that my Committee deals only with cases in which the applicants are in urgent need, and that this question deals with cases of people who wish for protection—a matter my Committee were nothing whatever to do with?
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANSThis reference I make to the Army Order shows that I hope there will be no urgent financial need; but there may be exceptional cases, in which case it is a matter that will be properly brought before that Committee.
§ Lieut.-Colonel ASHLEYIf the Chief Chief Secretary can give superannuation allowances to the Royal Irish Constabulary, why cannot the War Office do the same for these discharged men who are equally in danger of their lives by returning home?
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON EVANSQuite a considerable number of grants are made to these men under the Army Order to which I have referred, and if my hon. Friend does not think it sufficient perhaps he will communicate with me in reference to the cases which he has in mind.
§ Sir J. BUTCHERWhat financial provision is made by the Army Order in the case of men who are disbanded, and are unable to return home owing to being threatened with death?
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANSI do not know whether the hon. Baronet has seen the Army Order; if not, I shall be glad to send him a copy.