§ 70. Sir CHARLES HENRYasked the Minister of National Service if he will state, of those medically examined who are within the new age limit as provided by the Military Service Act, 1918, the percentage that has been passed into Grades 1 and 2?
§ Mr. BECKThe percentages of men placed by the medical boards in Grade 1 and in Grade 2 is different in each year of age. A comprehensive percentage covering the whole of the new age period would therefore tend to mislead those interested in the results of the medical examinations, and yet would give information which might be of great value to the enemy. In view of these circumstances, it seems undesirable to publish the information asked for.
§ Sir C. HENRYCan my hon. Friend state what objection there can be to stating the number of men available; how would it convey information to the enemy?
§ Mr. BECKThere is a difference between the enemy forming their own conclusions rather on guess-work lines and having information which is officially supplied by my Department.
§ Mr. PRINGLEBut if this information would be misleading, is there any objection to giving misleading information to the enemy?