§ 26. Colonel YATEasked the Minister of National Service, considering that the Governor of Malta, in his speech on the 15th March, 1918, to the 1st and 2nd Battalions of the Malta Militia, called upon them to represent the honour of Malta in the face of the enemy by forming a battalion for active service at the front, and that only 150 men out of the whole of these two battalions responded to the appeal, whether, under these circumstances, compulsory service will now be introduced into Malta and all men of military age and fitness called out for service either in combatant units or Labour Battalions, as may be deemed best?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for the COLONIES (Mr. Hewins)The position is being considered in consultation with the Army Council, and I am unable to make any statement at present.
§ Colonel YATECan the hon. Gentleman say when he is likely to be able to make a statement?
§ Mr. HEWINSNo, Sir.