HC Deb 07 July 1936 vol 314 cc1019-20
51. Mr. LOGAN

asked the Secretary of State for War the present strength of His Majesty's Forces at present in Northern Ireland?

Mr. COOPER

The strength of the Regular Army in Northern Ireland on 1st June was 3,223.

Mr. LOGAN

Has the attention of the right hon. Gentleman been drawn to a pastoral letter issued by the Protestant Bishop of Down and Connor and also the Catholic Bishop of Down and Connor as to the possibility of disturbances on 12th July, and does he think that, on account of these recurring disturbances, His Majesty's Government will be able on that date to maintain law and order?

Mr. COOPER

I have not seen the letter.

Mr. LOGAN

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is a state of panic now in Northern Ireland and that all parties are anxious to keep the peace, and as only His Majesty's troops are able to maintain law and order in Northern Ireland, will he see that necessary steps are taken.

Mr. SHINWELL

Is not the right hon. Gentleman a close observer of ecclesiastical statements?

Mr. LOGAN

May I have a reply, because all parties in Northern Ireland are anxious to know what His Majesty's Government intend to do to keep the peace on that occasion?

Mr. COOPER

I understand from the hon. Member that he is afraid of a breach of the peace, and he desires the strengthening of the garrison in order to maintain order. I can assure him that the British Army is busy all over the world at the present time in maintaining order and peace. If the hon. Gentleman and his friends would encourage recruiting, we should be in a better position to do it.

Mr. LOGAN

As my three sons were in the Army, I think that that remark is rather uncalled for, and as I am anxious for peace and order to be kept by His Majesty's subjects, I am asking what action, if any, the Minister is going to take to see that peace is maintained in Northern Ireland.

HON. MEMBERS

"Answer!"

Mr. G. GRIFFITHS

The Secretary for War cannot keep peace while the troops are fed on margarine.