§ 39. Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to statements made at Hull by Major-General Bowles, C.B., War Office Inspector of Recruiting, to the effect that in going about the country he has heard suggestions as to compulsory service; that he had reported these suggestions to the War Office and been told not to make any further refer-once to compulsion; will he say whether the statements are made with the knowledge and consent of the Secretary of State for War; and, if not, on whose authority?
§ Mr. TENNANTI am informed that Major-General Bowles, C.B., stated that, though he had heard suggestions as to compulsory service when going about the country, it would save the time of the meeting if the attention of those present were confined to the question of obtaining recruits under existing conditions. He added that the War Office was not then considering the question of compulsion, and that reference, therefore, need not be made to the subject during the discussion. Major-General Bowles' duties are to assist in raising recruits, and he has no concern with questions of recruiting policy.
§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the statements about which I have put this question have appeared in almost every paper throughout the country; and can he say whether all those reports are wrong?
§ Mr. TENNANTI think what I have stated is the accurate version of what did happen.
§ Sir RICHARD COOPERIs it not a fact that instructions have been given to the authorities in the borough of Walsall to create classes for girls in order to take the places of men who will soon be wanted?