HC Deb 28 March 1917 vol 92 c417
50. Mr. BILLING

asked whether the inclusion of the powers under the Defence of the Realm Act into the Bill for national voluntary service would enable the Director of National Service at his discretion to introduce compulsory measures to enforce the fulfilment of a voluntary obligation?

Mr. BECK (Vice-Chamberlain of the Household)

An assurance has been given that compulsory measures should not be introduced by the Director-General of National Service under the powers conferred upon him by the Ministry of National Service Bill. Clause 1, Sub-section (2) of 1ihe Bill, as amended in Committee, is intended to give effect to this assurance.

Mr. BILLING

Are we to understand that the Director has no power, under the Defence of the Realm Act, to force a man to do anything he does not want to?

Mr. BECK

If the hon. Member will read the Bill he will find that there is no compulsory power. There are no penalties.