HC Deb 17 June 1915 vol 72 cc793-4
71. Sir JOSEPH WALTON

asked whether, in view of the shortage of men for the motor transport service and in munition works, His Majesty's Government will make an appeal to all motor car owners to release their chauffeurs if willing to join either of these branches of service and undertake to reinstate them on the conclusion of the War?

Mr. TENNANT

Such an appeal has already been issued and widely diffused. It is not contemplated at present to reissue it.

Sir J. WALTON

Has the appeal been issued by the War Office, or has it only reference to that of the Royal Automobile Club, which only covers a fraction of the motor-car owners of the country; and, in view of the fact that undoubtedly great loss of life has taken place at the front owing to the insufficient supply of shells and other munitions of war, is it not the imperative duty of the Government to address an appeal to all motor-car owners to free their chauffeurs?

Mr. TENNANT

I congratulate my hon. Friend on the connection which he has established between chauffeurs and shells. The appeal was issued by the War Office as well as by the Royal Automobile Club.

Sir J. WALTON

What was the result?