HC Deb 05 March 1912 vol 35 c200
Mr. HUNT

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the fact that it has been found impossible to recruit the Territorial Force up to the numbers laid down by the Government and that even the insufficient numbers of the Force could not be relied on in a sudden emergency till after several months of training, he could see his way to agree with the Leader of the Opposition to make universal compulsory military training a non-party question?

The PRIME MINISTER

The answer is in the negative.

Mr. HUNT

Are we to understand that, although the Secretary of State for War told the Territorials they would be prepared to die for their country, the Government is not even willing to give the country a chance of deciding whether they will adopt the only plan—

Mr. SPEAKER

This is not the occasion for the hon. Member to make a speech.