§ Mr. SANDYSasked the Chief Secretary whether corps of boy scouts, boys' brigades, Church lads' brigades, and cadet corps have now been prohibited by the Irish Government from becoming affiliated to the National Rifle Association; and, if so, what is the reason for this decision?
§ Mr. BIRRELLIn the opinion of the Irish Government it is undesirable in Ireland, where no County Associations exist 1235W under the Territorial system, that boys should be entrusted with serviceable rifles and ammunition, and it has therefore been arranged with the military authorities that facilities for the obtaining of such arms and ammunition through affiliation to the National Rifle Association shall not be afforded. An exception is made in regard to cadet corps at military centres when the military authorities undertake the custody of the arms.