§ 55 and 59. Mr. OUTHWAITEasked (1), whether, in view of the fact that British forces are to be engaged on the Italian front, steps will be taken to prohibit on the Western front in future such sacrifice of life as has occurred during the past seventeen months; will he take into consideration the policy adopted by the French Government for the conservation of manpower; (2) whether, in view of the fact that British forces are to be engaged on the Italian front, steps will be taken to prevent on the Western front such sacrifices of life in future as has occurred during the past seventeen months, and on the line adopted by the French Government for the conservation of man-power?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWIt is impossible to make any statement as to our military plans, but the hon. Member may rest assured that the Government are not less anxious than he to avoid any unnecessary sacrifice of life.
§ Mr. OUTHWAITEI never suggested that I was more anxious than he was. I 2218 am asking definitely if similar steps will be taken by this Government? [Interruptions.] I know that whenever I attempt to discuss the question of casualties —
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe hon. Member seems to me to be repeating the question which he has already put.
§ Mr. OUTHWAITEOn a point of Order. It is very difficult for me to put any supplementary questions in regard to casualties because of the interruptions which always follow. I want to know if I have the right —
§ Mr. SPEAKERIt depends upon the manner in which the question is put.
§ Mr. OUTHWAITEMay I point out that, while you instruct me as to my manners, you never instruct those who interrupt me?
§ Mr. SPEAKERIf questions are constantly asked of an offensive character, I endeavour to quell them —not otherwise.