HC Deb 01 April 1913 vol 51 c189
17. Mr. HUNT

asked the Secretary of State for War whether conscription has lately been done away with in Spain and universal compulsory training introduced instead?

The SECRETARY of STATE for WAR (Colonel Seely)

Conscription has not been done away with in Spain. The rules with regard to military service were made more stringent than before by a law of 29th June, 1911, which took effect on 19th January of last year.

Mr. HUNT

Could the right hon. Gentleman say what is the difference between conscription and universal compulsory service?

Colonel SEELY

That is rather a matter for debate than for question and answer.

Mr. HUNT

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that he promised to tell us the difference, and we have never yet had it?

Colonel SEELY

I still say I do not think it is a matter for question and answer.

Mr. JAMES HOGGE

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how far this policy contributed to the poverty of Spain?

Colonel SEELY

No, I do not think I could say that.