§ Mr. C. WHITE(by Private Notice) asked the Prime Minister what are the actual purposes for which the Defence Force is formed; what are the exact terms of enlistment; whether men so enlisting can be called upon to serve in Ireland or abroad; whether some special form of attestation is being used for the enlistment of these men; whether on enlistment they are asked, verbally or in any cither way, to volunteer for service in Ireland or abroad, and whether the exact form of attestation used for the enlistment of these men can be at once submitted to the House?
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANSThe Defence Force has been formed to help maintain law and order, and to render any necessary assistance in protecting those employed on carrying on the essential services of the country, without which the people 9f the country might starve.
The terms of enlistment are for 90 days, or such less period as their services may be required. As stated in the attestation form and in the notice which is handed to the man at the time of his offering to enlist, he will only be required to serve in England, Scotland, or Wales, and statements to the contrary are absolutely without foundation. Special forms of attestation are being used, and I am arranging for copies to be made available in the library for the information of Members.
§ Mr. WHITEWere these special forms of attestation used by all the men who presented themselves for enlistment last Monday, or were the old ones preferred?
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANSThey were used so far as I know in every single case. If the hon. Gentleman can give me a single case in which any other form has been used I shall be glad to know of it. But if he will look at the form which is in the library he will see that it is made quite clear that the men are for service only in England, Scotland and Wales.
§ Mr. WHITEDoes that apply to all men irrespectively of whether they were attested on the new form, or on some makeshift form?
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANSIt applies to every man enlisting in the Defence Force. I do not believe that any other form has been used in any case.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYWhen the right hon. Gentleman says that these men are protecting volunteers, does that mean that they are only to be used for protecting people who are working and cannot be used for carrying on the work of distribution and essential services?
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANSThey are used for precisely the same purpose as any of the military forces of the Crown may be used for.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYCan they be put on transport work—that is what I mean—or are they only for the preservation of order?