HC Deb 06 June 1904 vol 135 cc804-5
SIR HOWARD VINCENT (Sheffield, Central)

I beg to ask the First Lord: of the Treasury if he has any announcement to make as to the view of His Majesty's Government concerning the opinion expressed in the Report of the Royal Commission on Militia and Volunteers that although these forces now voluntarily provide 20 per cent. more men than are authoritatively estimated to be necessary for land defence against an invader, compulsory service of the whole male population for one year with the colours is desirable.

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

I think this Question has already been answered by the Secretary for War in perfectly specific terms. To that answer have really nothing to ad I. We do not agree, of course, with the recommendation.