HC Deb 03 April 1917 vol 92 cc1122-3
45. Mr. BILLING

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government is satisfied with the results of last week's mass meetings, advertising campaign, and patriotic appeal to the people of this country to enrol for National Service; and will he state the number of volunteers to date, excluding those already employed on Government work or other work of national importance?

Mr. S. WALSH

The Prime Minister has. asked me to reply. The results of the enrolment campaign during the past week were greatly improved and a larger number of volunteers enrolled during the week than in any previous week. The largest number of volunteers enrolled in any one day was obtained yesterday—11,034—and this is regarded as a satisfactory indication of the success of last week's campaign. The total number of volunteers up to date is 219,706, exclusive of ministers of religion, medical practitioners, foreigners, and women. About 50 per cent, of the above figure represents those engaged on work of national importance.

Mr. BILLING

How much longer do the Government propose to continue this great waste of public money on experiments which, I think, and which I think the House thinks—

Mr. DEPUTY-SPEAKER

That is a matter of opinion.

Sir C. HENRY

How many of the number stated to have enrolled are Civil servants in Government Departments?

Mr. MacVEAGH

How many of these men have got positions as Government servants?

Mr. S. WALSH

Both of those questions require notice.

Mr. MacVEAGH

I put this question a week ago; the problem cannot be solved.