HC Deb 22 July 1915 vol 73 cc1639-40
33. Captain Earl WINTERTON

asked the President of the Local Government Board if he can give any approximate esti- mate of the number of men of military age who are still employed by local authorities as tramway conductors, as collectors of tickets for park seats, as clerks, and in other ways where female labour could be substituted; and if, as a deterrent and a warning, he will cause to be made known and published the names of all those local authorities who have failed to make efforts to replace men of military age by women, or who have refused permission to their employés to enlist?

The PRESIDENT of the LOCAL GOVERNMENT BOARD (Mr. Long)

I am afraid I can give no such estimate. As regards the second part of the question, I have not at my disposal the information necessary to enable such action to be taken. So far as I know, local authorities have responded loyally to the invitation to release men of military age.

58. Sir A. MARKHAM

asked the Under-Secretary for War whether his attention has been drawn to a large poster close to the War Office headed "Kitchener's Army: Join at Once"; and whether he will have this poster removed.

Mr. TENNANT

My attention had not been drawn to this poster. If I have rightly identified the poster to which my hon. Friend alludes, it was printed and put up without reference to the War Office or to the London Recruiting Staff. My Noble Friend regrets that the poster was worded in the way it was, and will take steps to have it withdrawn. He would further desire that it should be known that the phrase in question is incorrect, and should not be used. This is, I think, generally appreciated, but it is desirable that there should be no deviation from correct practice in this matter.

Mr. W. THORNE

Is there anybody at the head of the Department whose duty it is to supervise all these posters and statements about recruiting?

Mr. TENNANT

Yes, Sir; they are supervised when they are brought to the War Office, but this was not brought there and it was put up without authority.

Mr. THORNE

Was the man responsible for it punished?

Mr. TENNANT

I am sorry I am not able to answer that question.

Mr. PRINGLE

How long was it before the War Office noticed it on the walls' of the War Office?