HC Deb 22 February 1900 vol 79 cc797-8
MR. YERBURGH () Chester

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether in any, and, if so, in which of our self-governing colonies the law provides that all male British subjects between certain ages shall be placed on the roll of the Militia; and whether he can state what duties such Militia has to discharge, and the age during which liability for service continues.

THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE COLONIES (Mr. J. CHAMBERLAIN,) Birmingham, W.

In Canada the Militia roll includes all male inhabitants between eighteen and sixty, who are British subjects and not specially exempted. The Militia may be called out for active service either within or without Canada. In the Cape Colony the burgher force includes all males between eighteen and fifty, with certain exemptions, and may be called out for service within the colony or beyond the borders. The defence forces of South Australia, Queensland, and Tasmania include all British male inhabitants between the ages of eighteen and forty five in South Australia, sixty in Queensland, and fifty-five in Tasmania, and they are liable for service in any part of Australia or Tasmania. The New Zealand Militia consists of all male inhabitants between seventeen and fifty-five, and is liable for service in the colony. The compulsory powers in these colonies are not enforced, only those who volunteer being called out for training.

SIR JOHN BRUNNER () Cheshire, Northwich

Are we to understand that in New Zealand all inhabitants are liable, where only British subjects are so in the other colonies?

MR. J. CHAMBERLAIN

Oh, no; of course it only applies to British subjects.

SIR JOHN BRUNNER

Your answer was "all male inhabitants."