HC Deb 20 November 1917 vol 99 cc1014-5
66. Mr. KENNEDY JONES

asked the Minister of National Service whether he can state the source and nature of the information from which his Department is cataloguing and card-indexing the people of this country with a view to national service?

Sir A. GEDDES

For the present we are consolidating information available from:

  • The Military Register.
  • The National Register.
  • D.R. 17 Form, as required under Defence of the Realm Regulations, 41A.
  • Register of Employe's, M.M. 37B.
  • Returns from Employers, M.M. 82S.
  • Registration of Aliens.
A special register is also being compiled by direct inquiry to cover all men in the Army in Great Britain and Ireland. Numerous special inquiries are also being made by the officials of this Ministry with the purpose of clearing up points left doubtful by these returns. So soon as the information available from these sources is exhausted, we hope to tap other sources of information which are, or which may become available—for example, any information which may be in the possession of the Ministry of Food.

Mr. HOGGE

Has my hon. Friend never thought of using the national register, which the Local Government Board keeps up to date?

Sir A. GEDDES

The second source from which the information is taken is the national register.

Mr. HOGGE

If the Local Government keeps the register up to date, what is the use of any other source of information?

Sir A. GEDDES

The national register does not record the changes of occupation. The occupation of individuals is of great importance at the present time.

Mr. RUNCIMAN

Are the sugar cards one of the sources from which information is drawn?

Sir A. GEDDES

We have not yet drawn any information in bulk from the sugar cards, but hope to be able to get information from them.