§ 20. Mr. OUTHWAITEasked the Under-Secretary for War whether he can state, as bearing upon the man-power issue, what is the estimate of the probable wastage in the forces in the field for the current year?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONI am afraid that this question cannot conveniently be dealt with by way of question and answer. In Any case it cannot be discussed in public without giving information to the enemy.
§ Mr. OUTHWAITEIs it not within the hon. Gentleman's recollection that these estimates were freely given when the Military Service Act were before the House, and are we to gather that the sacrifice contemplated is so great that the statement would encourage the enemy?