§ Dr. Littleasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that, when the border town of Newry, County Down, was recently reconnoitred with the view to its re-establishment as a military centre, certain halls and a former Royal Ulster Constabulary barracks were inspected and selected for occupation; that, in the case of the latter building, instructions were given for the installation of the telephone, and that a Masonic hall was partly cleared 805W of furnishings for the purpose of an officers' mess; why the whole scheme was abandoned; and whether, in view of the fact that Newry is suitably situated for the location of troops, he will take steps to have the whole question immediately reviewed?
§ Sir V. WarrenderIt is not the case that buildings at Newry were selected for military occupation. The telephone which was installed at the former Royal Ulster Constabulary barracks was not for military purposes, and the removal of part of the furniture from the Masonic hall was undertaken by the Masonic Lodge authorities under a misapprehension and without any request by the military authorities. The position as regards the locatian of troops at Newry remains as stated in the answer given to my hon. Friend on 30th November last.