HC Deb 16 August 1916 vol 85 cc1834-5
15. Mr. GEORGE LAMBERT

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will direct the military representatives appearing before the tribunals to act on the spirit and letter of the Prime Minister's declaration that both for this year and next the highest possible output of home-grown food supplies remains an essential object of the first importance for the security of Great Britain?

Mr. FORSTER

I can assure my right hon. Friend that military representatives are working in accordance with the agreement come to between the War Office and the Board of Agriculture. The importance of this question is fully realised, and the instructions issued to tribunals by the Local Government Board are perfectly clear.

Mr. LAMBERT

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that in many cases the agreement reached by the War Office and the Board of Agriculture is not being adhered to by these local tribunals?

Mr. FORSTER

No, Sir, I am not. If my right hon. Friend will bring any case he has in mind to my notice I will inquire into it.

Mr. OUTHWAITE

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the tribunals in some cases refuse to take any notice of the representations of the military representative?

Mr. FORSTER

I am not aware of that.