HC Deb 21 March 1923 vol 161 cc2583-4W
Dr. SIMMS

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War what are the prospects, in the near future, of the Royal Hibernian Military School; is it proposed to Anglicise this institution or is it intended to repatriate it at an early date; and, in this latter event, will the war memorials of its distinguished alumni also be transferred to its new home?

Lieut. - Colonel GUINNESS:

With regard to the first two parts of the question, in view of the urgent necessity for economy and also of the fact that the disbandment of the Southern Irish regiments would much reduce the number of boys with claims to enter the school, the Army Council have reluctantly decided that they cannot accept any further charge on Army Votes for the permanent upkeep of this institution. They have, however, under consideration arrangements for the education of the boys already entered, who are now at Shorn-cliffe, and of such candidates already registered as would have entered the school had it continued on the old basis. With regard to the last part, the question of the future of the charity, including the memorials and other property, gives rise to difficult legal questions which are engaging attention.