§ 39. Captain WRIGHTasked the Secretary of State for War whether, before calling up additional men to the Colours either 15 by combing out from the ranks of skilled labour, agricultural or technical, or by extending the age limit, he will introduce legislation to enforce in Ireland the same conditions of liability to military service as are in force in the rest of the United Kingdom, and by so doing remove the feeling of injustice which has been raised by this inequality of treatment?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for WAR (Mr. Lloyd George)I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the answer given by the Prime Minister on 23rd November to the hon. and gallant Member for East Down.
§ Captain WRIGHTIs the right hon. Gentleman not aware that this feeling is becoming widespread, that Irish labourers are being brought over both for the farms and munitions works, and that English workmen refuse to work with them?
§ Mr. LLOYD GEORGEI am aware of the difficulties, and I will look into the matter, but I am not in a position to give any other answer than that I have given.
§ Captain WRIGHTWill the right hon. Gentleman give the Government a lead in this matter?
Colonel CRAIGIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Prime Minister has not answered my question? I will put it again to-morrow.