§ 49. Mr. PETOasked the Prime Minister whether he has official information to the effect that shortly after the publication by the "Labour Leader" of their intention to agitate against the Military Service Act, 1916, that portion of the paper dealing with the proposed campaign was translated into Roumanian and reissued broadcast in Roumania, with an introduction to the effect that industrial England was in revolt; and, if so, what action the Government propose to take?
§ Sir E. GREYThe attention of His Majesty's Government was drawn by His Majesty's Minister at Bucharest to the use which was being made by enemy agents in Roumania of the article from the "Labour Leader," and steps were at once taken to make it clear in Roumania that that journal has not the representative character attributed to it by enemy agencies.
§ Mr. PETODo the Government propose to take any steps to prevent the publication in this country of matter in the Press which is bound to be of use to the enemy in neutral countries?
§ Sir E. GREYI must ask the hon. Member to give me notice.
§ 50. Mr. FELLasked the Prime Minister what Departments are responsible for the lists of the multifarious trades and occupations exempted from the operations of the Military Service Act, 1916; and if these Departments consulted with the War Office and with each other before settling such lists?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe lists of exempted occupations referred to were drawn up by the several Departments 793 specially concerned. Thus, the Home Office arranged the coal-mining list, the Agricultural Departments the list of farm servants, the Admiralty and the Ministry of Munitions were responsible for the lists of workpeople essential to the manufacture of ships and munitions of war. The remaining exemptions were recommended to the War Office by an Interdepartmental Committee sitting at the Board of Trade. A representative of the War Office has served on this Committee for some time past. In all cases the consent of the War Office was obtained.
§ Mr. FELLWill the Ministers representing the different Departments answer in this House questions referring to matters with which they have to deal?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI should think they would.
§ 52. Mr. DUNCAN MILLARasked the Prime Minister whether he intends to introduce legislation with a view to suspend the operation of leases and other existing contractual obligations entered into by men of military age during their period of service with the Colours in cases where the fulfilment of such obligations would be rendered impossible by their enlistment, or where such existing obligations might afford a ground for claiming exemption under the Military Service Act, 1916?
§ The PRIME MINISTERNo, Sir; His Majesty's Government do not propose to introduce legislation on this subject. I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the President of the Local Government Board on the 19th January to the right hon. Baronet the Member for Swansea.
§ Mr. OUTHWAITEHas the right hon. Gentleman's attention been called to the number of cases of hardship—great hardship—which have already been brought before the tribunals in relation to this matter, and is the Government taking no action whatever?
§ The PRIME MINISTERIt is being very carefully watched.