HC Deb 24 October 1916 vol 86 cc925-6
29. Mr. HAZLETON

asked the Secretary of State for War how many millions of men of military age have been exempted in Great Britain from the operation of the Military iService Acts?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

I gave some general information in a speech I made in this House on 12th October. The exact number of exemptions in force varies, of course, from day to day, and it is not desirable to add anything to the general statement just referred to at present. It may be necessary to do so later on.

Sir E. CARSON

May I ask whether it would be possible to give a Return to this House of the men of military age who are serving in the various Departments, showing their number and age?

Sir C. HENRY

There has been such a Return. Could it be brought up to date?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

That is what I was going to say to my right hon. Friend. To the best of my memory, there was such a Return. Since then I rather think a good many men have been released to join the Army; but it might be desirable to bring the Return up to date. I certainly remember going through the list at the War Office. I believe there are other Departments doing the same thing.

Sir E. CARSON

Can the Return include all those men included in the figure of 3,600,000 that the right hon. Gentleman gave us the other day?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

I was not aware that I had given a figure.

Sir E. CARSON

My right hon. Friend was comparing the figures with the French figures of 560,000.

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

No; at any rate my right hon. Friend wants to know whether there are in the numbers those who, for one reason or the other, have been exempted. I should not like to say, but I think it is very likely that they are in the number exempted.

30. Mr. HAZELTON

asked the Secretary of State for War how many men who offered themselves for enlistment in the Army in Ireland since mobilisation were not accepted on medical or other grounds?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

I cannot yet say whether this information is obtainable.

Major NEWMAN

Is it not the fact that this is a recruiting award for these rejected men in Ireland?

Mr. HAZLETON

Did not the right, hon. Gentleman promise to give the figure this week, in view of the fact that he gave the figure of 50,000 in debate

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

Yes; I gave the figure, but I instantly corrected it on discovery. I am trying to find out what exactly is the actual figure. I find it extremely difficult to get accurate figures in connection with Ireland.

Mr. HAZLETON

Will the right hon. Gentleman try to obtain these figures?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

Yes; I will. I promised my hon. Friend, and we are doing our best to get the figures, but it is very difficult.