HC Deb 07 November 1916 vol 87 cc11-3
76. Major NEWMAN

asked the Prime Minister whether the percentage of men fit for general service obtained at the primary medical examination of employés of military age in Government offices has been "brought to his notice; whether in some batches of those examined 90 per cent. were passed as fit for general service; and whether the War Office will spare no effort in obtaining for the Army this material?

1 Mr. O'SHAUGH-NESSY

asked (1) the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs the number of, officials at present employed by the Government at the Foreign Office; how many of them are men of military age; the number of these fit for active service in connection with the War; whether the military authorities are calling them up; (2) the First Commissioner of Works the number of officials at present employed by the Government in his Department; how many of them are men of military age; the number of these fit for active service in connection with the War; whether the military authorities are calling them up; (3) the President of the Local Government Board the number of officials at present employed by the Government at the offices of the Local Government Board; how many of them are men of military age; the number of these fit for active service in connection with the War; whether the military authorities are calling them up; (4) the President of the Board of Trade the number of officials at present employed by, the Government at the offices of the Board of Trade; how many of them are men of military age; the number of these fit for active service; whether the military authorities are calling these men up for active service in connection with the War; and (5) the Secretary to the Treasury the number of officials at present employed by the Government at the Treasury offices at Whitehall; how many of them are men of military age; the number of these who are fit for active service; and whether the military authorities are calling these men up for active service in connection with the War?

The PRIME MINISTER (Mr. Asquith)

As has already been stated to the House, the question of the employment of men of military age in Government Departments is engaging the attention of the Man-Power Distribution Board. The Board are procuring Returns from Government Departments, and hope to present their recommendations to the Government in the course of a few days. These recommendations will at once be taken into consideration by the Government, and, when their decision is announced to the House, the Returns made to the Man-Power Board will also be laid before it. In the meantime, I do not think it would serve any useful purpose to give information relating to separate Departments.

Sir E. CARSON

Will Returns also be made of men of military age engaged in Government Departments in Ireland?

The PRIME MINISTER

I will certainly consider the point.

29. Mr. R. McNEILL

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that the Man-Power Distribution Board published on 4th October a statement that it had been proved that fresh supplies of men are urgently needed for the Armies and munition factories; and if he will say what steps have been taken in the month that has now elapsed to make good this urgent need?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

I understand an announcement from the Man-Power Board is expected shortly. Any such statement as that which is invited by the last part of the question would, I think, more properly be made in the Debate on Man-Power which is expected to take place shortly.

Sir E. CARSON

Will the Debate take place this week?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

Until we get the Report from the Man-Power Committee and have had time to consider it, it would be impossible to name a date. I can assure my right hon. Friend there is no time being lost.

Mr. HOBHOUSE

Will we see the Report of the Man-Power Board or a sufficient portion of it to discuss it fully in this House before the Debate takes place?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

I have no doubt when the statement is made about the Report of the Man-Power Board it will be discussed.

Mr. HOBHOUSE

Will the Report be presented fully to the House?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

I should not like to commit myself upon that until we have seen the Report. It is conceivable there may be facts in it which it would be most undesirable to publish. If there is a debate in Secret Session we could state the facts more fully. Therefore, there are two questions to be decided before I could answer my right hon. Friend's question.

Mr. HOBHOUSE

Will both the fact of a Secret Session and the fullness of the Report of the Man-Power Board be considered before the Debate takes place?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

Certainly. The moment the Government receive the Report of the Man-Power Board they will first of all consider it, and then there will be a discussion in the House of Commons. Whether a public one or a secret one, I have no doubt my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister will take the House into council on that question.

Colonel CRAIG

Are the Man-Power Board considering the question of extending the Military Service Acts to Ireland?