§ Viscount WOLMERasked how many troops and how many police were needed to protect the First Lord of the Admiralty on the occasion of his recent visit to Belfast; and what the cost thereby involved was to the Crown and to the municipal authorities?
§ Mr. BIRRELLNo extra police were employed in maintaining order in Belfast in connection with the recent visit of the First Lord of the Admiralty. A military force of five battalions of Infantry, a squadron of Cavalry, and a half company of the Royal Engineers were drafted into the city in view of possible disorder in consequence of threats, which had been made in certain quarters, to interfere with the rights of free speech within the city of Belfast. As regards the cost of the military employed, I would refer the hon. Member to my right hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State for War.