HC Deb 10 October 1916 vol 86 cc16-7
25. Captain BENNETT-GOLDNEY

asked the Prime Minister if he can say what steps will be taken when the Clauses of the Special Register Bill now before Parliament are amended to safeguard the interests of the civilian officials who will be called upon to undertake the extra labour involved in the preparation of the new register; if he is aware that officials are now under a penalty if such work is not complete within a stated period and that with depleted staffs it will be increasingly difficult to find persons to make a house-to-house canvass to ascertain particulars of those entitled to be registered; if he is aware of the additional difficulties which may arise in the preparation of the registers by a given date owing to the restricted supply of paper and the inability of printing firms to undertake extra work; and whether, in view of the increased work under the Pensions Act and the amount of labour involved by the regulations of our national registration legislation, which requires an incessant issue of cards and re-registration of addresses, whenever, for instance, a domestic servant changes her employment, he will make some provision for due payment to all officials who will be called upon to undertake the new registration work?

The PRESIDENT of the LOCAL GOVERNMENT BOARD (Mr. Long)

The Prime Minister has asked me to reply to this question. I am well aware that the preparation of the Special Register will impose additional labour on the officials concerned, but I am sure they will do their best with this as they have done with other work which the State has in these times of stress called upon them to perform. Under the existing law officials are only liable for wilful misfeasance or wilful acts of commission or omission.

26. Mr. HAZLETON

asked the Prime Minister if it is the intention of the Government to proceed with the Special Register Bill?

Mr. BONAR LAW

The answer is in the affirmative.

Sir E. CARSON

Can the right hon. Gentleman give any information as to when the Bill will be taken?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I cannot say the date, but perhaps my right hon. Friend will put a question to the Prime Minister.