25. Sir F. HALLasked the Minister of National Service whether, under the new comb-out, preference will be given to Volunteers who entered the force without any compulsion by tribunals and who joined Section A, by which they undertook to remain in the force for the duration of the War and to put in a certain specified number of drills per month; and whether he will consider the advisability of giving greater consideration to this class of men than to those who have consistently done nothing to render any assistance to the country?
§ 29. Mr. LOUGHasked the Minister of National Service what will be the position of the Volunteer force under his recent proclamations and the Military Service Bill; and will members of it be called up in preference to other classes or will they enjoy any immunity on account of the services they have already rendered?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of NATIONAL SERVICE (Mr. Beck)Members of the Volunteer Force are in the same position as 19 other members of the general public as regards the New Military Service Bill, and the recent Order made under the Military Service Act, 1918, to which I gather the right hon. Member for Islington refers. The Government fully appreciates the arduous and patriotic work done by many members of the Volunteer Force, but it is not possible in existing circumstances to exempt from military service a member of the Volunteers solely on the ground of his being a member of the Volunteer Force.
Sir F. HALLWill the hon. Gentleman communicate with the War Office to see if the services of these men cannot be used bodily as a unit for some special purpose?
§ Mr. BECKI know the War Office is doing its best in this matter, but I will convey the hon. Member's suggestion.
§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEWill an officer in the Volunteer Force be given the opportunity of taking a commission in the Regular Forces?