§ 45. Mr. LYNCHasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can give 831 the result of the voting of the Australian soldiers in France in reference to the compulsory military service in Australia?
§ Mr. SNOWDENIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that official intimation was given that the result of this ballot would be declared on 11th November, and is it not the fact that the reason why that has not been done is that the Australian soldiers voted seven to one against conscription?
§ Mr. LONGNo, Sir; I am not aware of either of the statements made by the hon. Gentleman, but his latter statement I can say is incorrect. It is quite obvious that the publication of this information is entirely a matter for the Commonwealth Government, and not a matter for the Government here.
§ Mr. LYNCHMay I ask how, if he has no information, as he told me, the right hon. Gentleman is able to contradict another hon. Member who has information?
§ Mr. LONGMy contradiction was not as to the facts of the case, but as to the reasons for my action.