§ 6. Colonel YATEasked the Undersecretary of State for War whether the Army Council have yet come to a decision on the question of the introduction of compulsory service into Malta and the calling out of all men there of military age for service, either in combatant units or Labour Battalions, as may be deemed best?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONIt is not proposed at present to introduce compulsory service into Malta.
§ Colonel YATEIf compulsory service has been introduced in the Channel Islands, is there any reason why it should not be introduced in the Mediterranean islands?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONI am told that all the facts were considered by the various Departments concerned, and that is the conclusion at which they arrived.
§ Colonel YATEHas the right hon. Gentleman had brought to his attention the speech of the Governor of Malta on the 15th March to two battalions of the Malta Militia, asking them to come forward and represent the honour of their country at the front, and to the miserable response given to that speech; and will the right hon. Gentleman not take steps to enforce it?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONI have not seen that speech, but I am quite prepared to consider it.
§ Mr. PRINGLEAre the Roman Catholic hierarchy supreme in Malta?
§ Lord R. CECILNot that I am aware of.