Regiments (Disbandment).

Oral Answers to Questions — British Army. – in the House of Commons at on 7 March 1922.

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Photo of Viscount  Wolmer Viscount Wolmer , Aldershot

18.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will give an undertaking that none of the regiments proposed to be disbanded shall be disbanded until the present disorder in India, Egypt, and Ireland have ceased and a final settlement of the Irish Question has been actually arrived at?

Photo of Mr Robert Sanders Mr Robert Sanders , Bridgwater

No, Sir; I am not in a position to give my Noble Friend the undertaking which he desires.

Photo of Viscount  Wolmer Viscount Wolmer , Aldershot

Does the hon. Baronet not think it extremely rash to disband a great number of regiments of the British Army when the whole Empire is seething with disorder?

Photo of Lord Henry Cavendish-Bentinck Lord Henry Cavendish-Bentinck , Nottingham South

Will the Government pursue a policy which will lead to disarmament?

Photo of Viscount  Wolmer Viscount Wolmer , Aldershot

19.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the fact that the Royal Dublin Fusiliers is one of the oldest regiments of the British Army, that although they have existed 250 years they have only been connected with Ireland 34 years, that the regiment has rendered distinguished service in all parts of the world and has great traditions, he will reconsider the proposal that it should be disbanded?

Photo of Mr Robert Sanders Mr Robert Sanders , Bridgwater

I much regret that this decision cannot be reconsidered. The recruiting area of the regiment has ceased to be available; moreover, the retention of this regiment would necessitate the disbandment, on grounds of economy, of some other, raised and maintained outside the area of the Irish Free State.

Photo of Mr Rupert Gwynne Mr Rupert Gwynne , Eastbourne

Is not the true reason that we still have the right to enlist men in Ireland?

Photo of Mr Robert Sanders Mr Robert Sanders , Bridgwater

I could not say without looking at the Treaty.