§ Mr. COOTEasked the Secretary of State for War if he will state the number of eligible men in the various departments and branches of the Pose Office service in Ireland who signed voluntary enlistment forms testifying their willingness to serve when called upon, and of this number how many eventually responded; and whether those men of military age who violated their voluntary undertaking and refused to respond will be permitted to remain in the service?
§ Mr. J. PEASEAn undertaking was given of a readiness to enlist in the case of about 920 men, but it was of a semi-private character and in many cases subject to conditions. There was no attestation or legal liability to serve. About 150 have since withdrawn the undertaking whilst others who have given no undertaking have enlisted. I do not propose to take any action.