§ 52. Mr. ANDERSONasked the Prime Minister whether he has received a copy of a resolution unanimously adopted by the Industrial Triple Alliance, representing the miners, the railwaymen, and transport workers of the country, urging that conscription of wealth should have preceded conscription of human life, and calling on the Government for the immediate preparation of a register of wealth and property in order to prepare for real equality of sacrifice; and what steps the Government propose to take in this matter?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWThe Prime Minister has received a copy of the resolution referred to. I do not think anything would be gained by adopting the suggestion in the question.
§ Mr. W. THORNEMay I ask if the right hon. Gentleman has made himself acquainted with the composition of this Conference, and is he aware that all the delegates were genuine bonâ fide working-class delegates, and not inflated delegates such as met at Leeds?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI know that this question is very seriously regarded by the working classes, but it is not a subject which can be discussed by question and answer.
§ Mr. BONAR LAWCertainly.
§ Mr. PRINGLEAre we to understand that the statement made by the hon. Member for West Derby in the Liverpool by-election that 10 per cent, of the wealth of the country would be confiscated was not made with the authority of the Government?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI am not aware of the statement. The Government have not made such a statement; but I have stated myself, and the Prime Minister has also stated, that as long as money exists in the country we will take it for the War in one way or another.