§ Sir J. BUTCHERasked the Secretary of State for War whether it is proposed to evacuate British troops from Portobello barracks in Dublin and to hand over these barracks to the Provisional Government for the use of the Irish Republican Army; what arrangements have boon made for the accommodation of the British troops who are turned out of these barracks; whether it is also proposed to evacuate British troops from the Curragh camp and to hand over this camp to the Provisional Government; and what arrangements have been made for the accommodation of the British troops now at the Curragh?
§ Sir R. SANDERSThe position in relation to military barracks in Dublin, like the whole of South Ireland, depends mainly on the withdrawal of the troops, and considerable discretionary power in this respect must necessarily be left to the local military authorities. As my hon. and learned Friend will realise, it is not expedient to deal with this subject by means of question and answer. At the present moment Portobello barracks is in occupation by British troops; if, and when, it is handed over to the Provisional Government, no restriction as to its use can be made. The evacuation of the Curragh is proceeding according to plan, while the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Ireland, is responsible for making suitable and satisfactory arrangements for accommodating the troops.