HC Deb 24 March 1902 vol 105 cc822-3
MR. MANSFIELD (Lincolnshire, Spalding)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that some of the recruiting sergeants, when seeking recruits among agricultural labourers who are under a yearly term of service with the farmers, inform the men that, according to the provisions of the Enlistment Acts, if they break their farm agreement to join the Army, the farmers must pay them for the time they have served. Is he aware that some labourers have joined with that understanding and have broken their farm agreement, thus causing trouble and loss to the farmer and monetary loss to the men; and will he say whether any authority has been given to the sergeants to make such a statement; and, if not, will he issue instructions to prevent the labourers being misled in future.

LORD STANLEY

The reply to both Questions is in the negative.

MR. MANSFIELD

Will the noble Lord investigate a case if I give him the particulars?

LORD STANLEY

Yes, Sir; if the hon. Member gives me any definite particulars I will.