§ 47. Mr. GINNELLasked the Prime Minister whether it is with his sanction the advocacy of peace is being treated as an offence under the Defence of the Realm Act; and, seeing that the majority of Englishwomen desire the termination of the present waste of human life and that they have no votes in the election of Members of this House, whether he will consent to receive a deputation from them 364 and to give an early opportunity for debating the subject in this House?
§ The PRIME MINISTERSo far as I am aware, the advocacy of peace has not been and cannot be treated as an offence under the Act. I believe that the desire that the War may lead to an honourable and lasting peace is shared by all classes without distinction of sex. I do not, therefore, see any sufficient reason for adopting the concluding suggestion in the question.
§ Mr. GINNELLWill the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of taking a vote of the women on this subject?
§ The PRIME MINISTERIf the hon. Member can suggest a means of doing that I will consider it.