§ SIR HOWARD VINCENTI beg to-ask the Secretary of State for War if the attestation forms for recruits of the Territorial Force, threatening imprisonment with hard labour, taking a religious census, and requiring information as to the wife and the baptism for the children, have been withdrawn; what, has been the cost of the half-million copies printed and issued; and if it can be recovered from those responsible for the compilation of such documents, instead of being charged to the public.
§ MR. HALDANEAs I have already stated, the attestation form for recruits will be duly considered by the Advisory Council which has been appointed to deal with questions affecting the Territorial force. The cost of the copies issued for recruits amounts to about £150. The remainder of the Question of the hon. Member does not appear to be of a sufficiently serious nature to require consideration.
§ SIR HOWARD VINCENTWould it not be better for the right hon. Gentleman to withdraw this foolish document at once and pay the expense himself?
§ MR. HALDANEWhether it is wise or foolish will be considered by a competent authority.