HC Deb 24 July 1916 vol 84 cc1343-4W
Mr. DORIS

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that Michael Nolan, of Turlough, county Mayo, now Gunner Nolan, No. 85,152, Royal Garrison Artillery, 4 Hut, Lenan Head Battery, Donegal, was an ordinary migratory labourer, who came to England for a few months in each year, and, after working at Mouldsworth and Middlewich, returned to his home in Ireland; that Nolan was arrested by the military authorities as an absentee and forced to join the Army; and that he never received the registration form regarding him, and which was filled and signed without his knowledge, his home address having been omitted from it; and whether, as Nolan cannot be regarded as having been ordinarily resident in Great Britain, steps will be taken to discharge him from the Army and to permit him to return to his home in Ireland?

Mr. FORSTER

Inquiry has been made, and I find that when Nolan was called up, which in itself was a perfectly correct procedure, there was some discussion as to his legal liability, but Nolan himself ended the discussion by remarking, "If there is any bother, I will join the Army," and went willingly. So far as is known, no further question has been raised by Nolan.