HC Deb 21 August 1916 vol 85 c2279
101. Mr. OUTHWAITE

asked whether British soldiers are sent to work on farms in France; and, if so, what additional pay, if any, they receive?

Mr. FORSTER

We have no information on this subject.

Mr. OUTHWAITE

Will the hon. Gentleman cause inquiries to be made? I think the suggestion that this should be done was made recently by an hon. and gallant Member on the other side of the House.

Mr. FORSTER

I will look into it. I am reluctant to trouble the Commander in France with any unnecessary inquiries at the present moment; but I will not lose sight of the matter.

102. Mr. RAMSAY MACDONALD

asked the Secretary of State for War on how many occasions soldiers have been sent in working parties' to work for private employers otherwise than in agriculture?

Mr. FORSTER

Subject to the rules laid down by the War Office, the arrangements for military working parties are made by the General Officers Commanding-in-Chief in the various Commands. The information asked for could not be obtained without very considerable trouble.