HC Deb 02 March 1916 vol 80 cc1180-1
55. Mr. PRINGLE

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the policy of the recruiting authorities of compulsory enlisting for clerical work men who are medically unfit for military service; and whether, in view of his pledge that the Military Service Act would not be used for the purpose of introducing compulsory labour, he proposes to take any action in the matter?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

Men only fit for clerical work who are not immediately required for such work in the Army are returned to their civil occupations, and are not called up without at least two months' notice. They may never be called up, but it is impossible to give a pledge that their services will not be required under any circumstances.

Mr. THOMAS

Will the right hon. Gentleman say whether the War Office can use discharged soldiers for clerical work to take the place of the other men, instead of asking other employers to employ them?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

I think that is a question that ought to be addressed to the War Office.

Mr. MacCALLUM SCOTT

With special regard to the part of the answer that says these men might never be called up, is it the intention to leave these men in doubt as to whether or not they will be called up, and in doubt as to whether they should make arrangements for disposing of their businesses and the meeting of other contingencies?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

They will not be called up unless they are absolutely needed by the War Office for the purpose of the War. It cannot be stated at the present time how many will be required, but as soon as it is known ample notice will be given so that these men can make their arrangements.

Mr. PRINGLE

Will my right hon. Friend reply to the last part of the question?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

I think an answer has been given. There is no compulsory labour. These men are serving in the Army, and as the Army requires men to do clerical work they are doing military service, and not compulsory labour in any sense of the term.

Mr. PRINGLE

May I—

Mr. SPEAKER

I would remind hon. Members that there are a very large number of questions down on the Paper.