HC Deb 29 February 1916 vol 80 cc860-1
52. Major NEWMAN

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that opposition to compulsory military service is being justified in the country on the ground that a Member of this House was asked to organise such opposition by a Member of the Cabinet as at present constituted, as both that Minister and his colleagues in the Cabinet (including the Prime Minister) were having a very difficult time, and that unless it was shown that people outside were not in favour of it compulsion was certain; and whether he is able to give a direct negative to the above statement both on behalf of himself and his colleagues in the Cabinet?

The MINISTER of MUNITIONS (Mr. Lloyd George)

The Prime Minister has no knowledge of anything of the kind.

Major NEWMAN

Does that amount in effect to saying that the statement is without foundation?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

The Prime Minister knows nothing at all about the matter.

An HON. MEMBER

Do his colleagues?

Sir A. MARKHAM

Has the Prime Minister made any inquiries?