§ 50. Mr. A. Edwardsasked the Prime Minister whether, in order to encourage the recruitment of men in defence of the country, he is now prepared to make a statement that conscription of wealth, if it should be necessary to conscript man power, is the policy of the Government?
§ The Prime MinisterI cannot add to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member on the 18th instant.
§ Mr. EdwardsIs the Prime Minister aware that there is a very strong feeling on this matter among many of his own supporters, who are committed to some plan for the conscription of wealth? [HON. MEMBERS: "No"] Is he aware that some of his supporters in this House have committed themselves— [HON. MEMBERS: "How do you know?"]— and arc we to take it, as the final decision of the Prime Minister, that working people are to be asked to sacrifice their lives and wealthy people are not to sacrifice their wealth?
§ Sir William DavisonIt is a very misleading question. We already have conscription of wealth.
§ Mr. EdwardsOn a point of Order. The Prime Minister has not replied to my question, and is an hon. Member opposite entitled to imply that I am telling an untruth in this House?
§ Sir W. DavisonIt was a most misleading question.
§ Mr. EdwardsI beg to give notice that I shall raise this matter on the Adjournment.