HC Deb 19 May 1915 vol 71 cc2325-6
53. Sir HENRY CRAIK

asked the Prime Minister whether he is prepared to consider the expediency, in the present crisis, with the view of utilising the full resources of the country, whether for service in the field, for the production of munitions of war, or for the effective equipment of all branches of national work, of applying a scheme of disciplined organisation, under which service would be given under adequate supervision, each unit being bound together by the tie of common work in their special sphere, and under which each citizen would be required to give his services in the sphere in which they were judged to be most effective for the public interest?

54. Mr. CATHCART WASON

asked the Prime Minister if he will take into consideration the advisability of compulsory registration of all persons of military age with the view of organising the manhood of the country not only for defence, but in such other industrial matters as are necessary?

57. Mr. HOUSTON

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the statements made by Lord Kitchener and Sir John French that enormous quantities of ammunition and arms are now and will be constantly required at the front, and the Chancellor of the Exchequer's statements regarding drink and slackness of output, and the Lord Chancellor's reference to conscription, he will consider the advisability of immediately putting the whole of the United Kingdom under martial law so that the entire resources of the country in men and material may be mobilised and properly organised whereby the skilled workman whose patriotism prompted him to take his place in the fighting line may be recalled and placed in the workshop, the shipyard, and the mine, and the unskilled, and notably the single man, may get his share of the fighting, and the overlapping efforts of patriotic persons may be properly utilised and the War brought to a speedy and successful conclusion?

59. Mr. ELLIS GRIFFITH

asked the Prime Minister whether, in mobilising and organising the country for war, it is proposed to obtain a register of men of military age, with such particulars as may enable the Government to have complete information as to the military power of the country?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

The Government will take every step which is necessary, in their opinion, for the effective organisation of the military and industrial resources of the country. These suggestions will be carefully considered in all their aspects.