HC Deb 06 May 1941 vol 371 cc695-6
47. Mr. David Adams

asked the Prime Minister the number of volunteers for the Fighting Services since war began from Eire and Northern Ireland, respectively?

Mr. Attlee

I regret that the required information is not available.

Mr. Adams

May I inquire when the information will be made available?

Mr. Attlee

I do not think it is possible to get the exact information, owing to the fact that volunteers from Eire came through Northern Ireland.

Mr. Adams

Is the Minister satisfied that voluntary enlistment from Northern Ireland is a satisfactory substitute for compulsion?

Sir R. Ross

Is my right hon. Friend aware that there has been a larger number

of voluntary recruits from Northern Ireland than from anywhere else; and also that the decision not to apply the Military Service Acts to Northern Ireland was taken in the teeth of the opposition of various Members from Northern Ireland?