§ 53. Mr. HUNTasked whether, in view of the fact that the Territorial Force is still 40,000 men short of the number considered necessary by the Government, he can now see his way, as in the case of Woman Suffrage, to make universal compulsory military training a nonparty question?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI am not disposed to apply the procedure adopted in the case of Woman Suffrage, upon which opinion in both the great political parties is strongly divided, to the case referred to by the hon. Member.
§ Mr. HUNTIs not opinion equally divided on this question, and will the right hon. Gentleman say why he insists upon making a matter on which the fate of the country depends a party question?
§ Mr. ROBERT HARCOURTIs this the official policy of the Opposition?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI did not make this a party question at all. I said the case of Woman Suffrage is peculiar, because opinion in the two great political parties is strongly divided.
§ The PRIME MINISTERIt does not rest with me to say what is or what is not a party question.
§ Mr. HUNTWill the right hon. Gentleman appeal to the Leader of the Opposition to make this a non-party question?
MARQUESS of TULLIBARDINEWith reference to the original question will the right hon. Gentleman instruct the Secretary of State for War to tell us the exact number of men required?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe Noble Lord ought to put that question to the Secretary for War.