HC Deb 07 July 1943 vol 390 cc2087-8
45. Major Petherick

asked the Prime Minister how many men ordinarily domiciled in Eire are now serving in the Armed Forces of the Crown; how many have become casualties; and how many have received decorations?

The Deputy Prime Minister (Mr. Attlee)

I regret that the figures asked for by my hon. and gallant Friend are not available.

Major Petherick

Has my right hon. Friend any idea whether the figure of 300,000 Irishmen from Southern Ireland fighting in the Armed Forces of the Crown is approximately correct, and if it is correct is it not a very great tribute to Irishmen who fight voluntarily for the Crown despite the neutrality of their Government?

Mr. Attlee

I regret I have no information available.

Mr. Shinwell

Would it not be useful to extract the information in order to show that there are many Irishmen who do not accept Mr. de Valera's conception of neutrality?

Mr. Attlee

The figures are not available.

Sir T. Moore

Surely the information is in the records of these gallant officers and men and can be easily extracted?