asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether his attention has been drawn to the declaration of Mr. de Valera that no Irishman resident in England would be liable for military service in this country; and whether these Irishmen are to be treated as eligible to join any scheme of national service brought in by the British Government?

As regards the first part of my hon. Friend's question, my attention has been called to a statement made by Mr. de Valera in which he referred to the position in the event of war of Irishmen resident in this country. As regards the second part, the eligibility or otherwise of particular classes of persons for inclusion in a scheme of national service could best he considered at the time of the introduction of any such scheme.

Are not such citizens eligible for employment in this country?

Is it not a fact that these same Irishmen are eligible to join our national social service schemes?