§ MR. C. P. SCOTT (Lancashire, Leigh)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether he can state how the force known as National Scouts is recruited; whether the members of it are employed as soldiers or as police; what is the rate of pay; and whether any distinction is made in the treatment of their families as compared with those of burghers not similarly enrolled; and whether there is any intention of compelling or putting pressure on any portion of the burgher population to take service in this or any other force.
§ THE SECRETARY of STATE FOR WAR (Mr. BRODRICK, Surrey, Guildford)These scouts are voluntarily recruited from surrendered burghers. They are employed as soldiers, and are paid five shillings a day. I am not aware of any distinction being made between the families of these men and those of other surrendered burghers. There is no intention of putting pressure on the burgher population to take service in this, or any similar force.
§ MR. PIRIE (Aberdeen, N.)May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether, in view of the future settlement of South Africa, due consideration will be given to the desirability of employing these men otherwise than as a fighting force?
§ *MR. SPEAKERThat does not arise out of the Question. Notice should be given.
§ *MR. SPEAKERI am quite aware that it refer to the National Scouts, but it does not follow that because one Question is asked about the National Scouts, every Questions on that subject is in order.