§ 51. Sir J. LONSDALEasked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that on 9th October the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland stated publicly that 40,000 men were required from Ireland before Christmas in order to bring the Irish Regular and service battalions up to strength; if he will state how many recruits from Ireland have been obtained since that statement was made; if he has seen he Return recently presented to Parliament showing that, after making the most liberal allowances for men who are indispensable to agriculture and trade, there still remain in Ireland available for military service upwards of 161,000 men; and if he will state whether, having regard to the statement of the Chief of the Imperial Staff that there is urgent need for more men for the Army, and to the fact that in Great Britain men are being taken by compulsory methods, he will urge upon the Government the necessity for an immediate decision on the question of applying some form of compulsion to Ireland?
§ Mr. FORSTERPerhaps the hon. Member will raise this question, which is one of policy, on the Man-Power- Debate next week.
§ Sir J. LONSDALECan the hon. Gentleman say on what day next week?
§ Mr. FORSTERI am afraid I cannot say definitely, but my impression is Tuesday.
§ 79. Sir C. HUNTERasked the Prime Minister if, in view of the efforts now being 305 made by the enemy to increase his manpower, he will consider the advisability of mobilising the whole manhood of the nation for war work between the age of eighteen and sixty?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the COLONIES (Mr. Bonar Law)My hon. and gallant Friend may rest assured that His Majesty's Government will give careful consideration to all practicable suggestions on this subject.