30. Mr. MacCALLUM SCOTTasked the Secretary of State for War the reason why it is necessary for the War Office to keep all the men in Classes C 2 and C 3 in a state of suspense as to whether they may be selected for military duty, so that they cannot embark on ordinary business operations and contracts, although he has stated that in the majority of cases these men are not likely to be required; why, seeing that only a small proportion are likely to be called up, the War Office is unable to select a certain number who will 177 receive the first call, thereby giving greater security to the others; and whether he regards it as obligatory upon the War Office to make its necessary requisitions in such a form as will cause the minimum disturbance to business?
§ Mr. FORSTERAll concerned with recruiting regard it as a matter of prime importance to cause the least disturbance to business possible. It is, however, impossible to say how many men in Classes C 2 and C 3 will be required, as this number depends on the willingness of those now in the Service to go as substitutes.
Mr. SCOTTIs there any reason conveyed by that answer why the War Office should not earmark those who are to be called first?
§ Mr. FORSTERMy hon. Friend has raised this question on numerous occasions, and I have told him that it is really impossible to give any pledge of the kind that he wants.
§ Mr. PRINGLEIs it not the case that these men are to be used in military substitution for workers at present engaged on munitions?
§ Mr. FORSTERNo, Sir; no!