HC Deb 14 February 1917 vol 90 cc613-4
34. Commander WEDGWOOD

asked the Under-Secretary for War whether, in view of the under-estimates of our losses as compared with the French losses and the losses of our Colonial troops invented by the enemies' agents in France and America, he will state what to date have-been the total losses of men suffered by the Army and Navy of the British Empire since the beginning of the War?

Mr. MACPHERSON

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister when Secretary of State to the hon. Member for Hanley on November 21st last. As stated by my hon. Friend the Financial Secretary on 21st August last, in answer to the hon. Member for North Somerset, there is no objection to any Member being shown privately and confidentially from time to time the total casualties for all theatres of war.

Commander WEDGWOOD

In view of these under-estimates as to our losses, made by the enemy, in France and America, will the hon. Gentleman reconsider the advisability of making an authentic publication of what our losses have been?

Mr. MACPHERSON

I will consider that.

Mr. PRINGLE

Will the publication of these lists to Members of this House have any effect in meeting the false statements of enemy agents?