asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has arranged that soldiers disbanded from Irish regiments, who are prevented from returning to their homes in Ireland consequent on the lawless state prevailing there, should receive pecuniary assistance from the fund administered by the hon. Member for Chelsea?

asked the Prime Minister if it is the intention of His Majesty's Government to add to the personnel of the Irish Refugee Committee, to extend the scope and powers of that Committee, and to include disbanded Irish soldiers who are prevented by the present conditions in Ireland from returning to their homes; and will he consider the desirability of referring to this Committee the cases of those who have been compelled to leave Ireland because of the loss of all their property and who may have claimed and been awarded compensation, but who are penniless and in distress?

Sir L. WORTHINGTON EVANS:

Any person ordinarily resident in Ireland who is unable to return to his home owing to disturbed conditions, and who is consequently in urgent need of financial relief in this country, can be dealt with by the Committee presided over by the hon. and gallant Member for Chelsea (Sir S. Hoare).

Did not the right hon. Gentleman give a distinct promise in the House some three weeks ago that the ease of the disbanded soldier would be specially considered?

If ray hon. and gallant Friend will consider the answer I have now given, he will see that I am complying with the undertaking which I then gave.

If the depots of the regiments from which these men are being disbanded are in Ireland must they go to the depot to be disbanded? Could they not be disbanded here, if their people happen to be in England?

That does not arise out of the question, but I will consider it.

Does the fight hon. Gentleman's answer mean that my Committee can deal with any Irishman—whether he be in an Irish regiment or whatever his profession may be—who cannot return to Ireland? If that be so, is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the machinery of my Committee is totally incompetent to deal with extended work of that kind?

I cannot believe that my hon. and gallant Friend is incompetent to deal with these questions.

It is a question of the machinery.

I had hoped to be able to see my hon. and gallant Friend personally before I answered this question, and I have been endeavouring to do so. If, however, he will consider the answer, I think he will see that it is limited to persons ordinarily resident in Ireland who are unable, etc.

Does that mean that the Committee can deal with men of other regiments, whether Irish regiments or not?

I am afraid I must refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the actual answer I have given. It has been very carefully considered with the Treasury and the other authorities who have to be consulted and I cannot enlarge upon the actual words of the answer.

Lieut.-Colonel GUINNESS:

Is it proposed in any way to broaden the basis of the Committee and give them extended powers, as was suggested by the Colonial Secretary?

I believe the Colonial Secretary has already dealt with that matter in an answer to another question.

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that it is quite impossible for a Member of this House to remain chairman of a Committee of this kind when decisions of this kind are taken without any consultation with him?

Might I ask my hon. and gallant Friend if he will come and discuss the matter with me after Questions to-day? We can certainly arrive at a little nearer agreement than is the case at present, and also save the time of the House.

Seeing that the Royal Naval College at Osborne is now vacated, might it not be used, as a temporary housing measure, for some of these people who are being evacuated or disbanded from Ireland?

That really does not arise out of the question, but it is an interesting suggestion in itself, and can be, of course, considered.

Lieut.-Colonel GUINNESS:

As the right hon. Gentleman said that the Colonial Secretary had dealt with the question of extended powers, can we clear up this matter and know whether any wider reference is being given to this Committee?

I believe I am to be asked a question on that later on. I am in process of arriving at a decision in regard to the necessary equipment of this Committee with the extended machinery which will certainly be required, and that extended machinery will, no doubt, include an addition to the personnel of the Committee.

Will the Committee be competent to deal with Catholics as well as Protestants?

What a question!

Is it competent, or will it be made competent?

Perhaps the Noble Lord will put that question down.