HC Deb 23 December 1915 vol 77 c597
71. Sir G. SCOTT ROBERTSON

asked whether Members of the Royal Naval Air Service Anti-Aircraft Corps have been officially informed that in the event of compulsion being introduced no obstacles will be placed in the way of the military authorities if they desire to choose such members as are eligible; whether permission has been refused to such members to attest in their respective groups under Lord Derby's scheme; and whether, in the event of compulsion being introduced, will such members be given the advantage of the group system or will they be classed as conscripts?

Mr. TENNANT

The first and second parts of my hon. Friend's question should, I think, be addressed to my right hon. Friend the Financial Secretary to the Admiralty. The last part of the question is based upon an hypothesis, and I must therefore ask my hon. Friend to excuse me from replying to it.

Sir G. SCOTT ROBERTSON

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is very great anxiety amongst heads of families on this subject, and if the words in the question have been suggested by a distinguished lawyer?

Mr. TENNANT

I must ask my hon. and gallant Friend to excuse me from replying to a purely hypothetical question.