HC Deb 13 July 1917 vol 95 cc2279-81
4. Mr. KING

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of National Service whether he is aware that on 6th July the Bristol National Service Committee, on the motion of the Lord Mayor, unanimously decided to dissolve the committee; whether this action was taken at the instigation of the Director of National Service; if so, is the reason for this course that the work of the Ministry of National Service has been completed; and whether similar dissolutions of local committees are taking place elsewhere?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of NATIONAL SERVICE (Mr. Beck)

The Bristol National Service Committee passed a resolution as described in the question on 6th July. This action was not taken at the instigation of the Director-General of National Service, and appears to have been based on a misunderstanding as to the relative functions of the committee and the substitution officers. I am informed that only one National Service committee, and that in a small surburban area, has dissolved.

Mr. KING

Is it not a fact that the feeling of the country is that the National Service movement is so hopeless that it had better be allowed to lapse, and the Director resign?

Mr. BECK

My information does not coincide with that of the hon. Member.

5. Mr. KING

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of National Service whether it is intended to remove the National Service offices and staff from St. Ermin's Hotel; and, if so, what is the reason for this change?

Mr. BECK

The National Service Department has been informed that the portion of St. Ermin's Hotel occupied by the Department may be shortly required for the Trench Warfare Department. The National Service Department is desirous of remaining where it is, and I am glad to inform the hon. Member that for the moment the question of transference is in abeyance.

Mr. HOGGE

Does not the hon. Gentleman think that if the National Service Department were moved into a front street like Victoria Street, something might be done?

Mr. MILLAR

Does the Department still fill the whole of St. Ermin's Hotel?

Mr. BECK

No, there are other Departments there. We only occupy a wing.

Mr. KING

Have they not got very large rooms and accommodation elsewhere?

18. Mr. BYRNE

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland the number of men who have been found employment during the last three months through the National Service Department in Ireland; whether any applications have been sent by Irish farmers for men; and, if so, will he state the wages offered and the conditions of employment.

The CHIEF SECRETARY for IRELAND (Mr. Duke)

Four hundred and twenty men have been provided with employment through the National Service Department in Ireland, and applications for over 200 men are being dealt with. Many applications from farmers are received daily for labourers at wages from 9s. a week to 16s. a week with full board and lodging, or 22s. to 30s. per week with lodging only. The period of employment offered is usually until the end of the harvest.

Colonel Sir CHARLES SEELY

Does the number of 420 men cover the whole of Ireland, and, if so, what is the cost of the Department in Ireland?

Mr. DUKE

The Department in Ireland is a very small one, and the 420 men do not cover the whole of its activities, because it does a great deal of work in organising labour for harvest and wherever labour is necessary.