§ LORD HAVERSHAMMy Lords, I rise to ask the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he has seen the estimate of the numbers and cost involved under the scheme of training proposed by the National Service League which has just been published by the League, and whether he accepts this estimate; if not, whether he is in a position to give any official estimate 202 of the cost of the scheme in question. I also move for Papers. I have not the slightest intention of in any way anticipating the important discussion which is to take place next week, but I think the information for which I ask is indispensable to an understanding of the question which will then be the subject of debate.
§ Moved, That an humble Address be presented to His Majesty for Memorandum on the published estimate of the cost of the scheme of training proposed by the National Service League.—(Lord Haversham.)
LORD LUCASIn answer to my noble friend I should like to say that we do not in the least accept the published estimate of the National Service League. We have had prepared a criticism of it, and as I think it is important that your Lordships should have the criticism in good time before Monday's debate arrangements have been made that printed copies shall be in your Lordships' hands to-morrow. I have with me a certain number of advance proofs, and if any noble Lord cares to have one I shall be glad to supply it.
§ On Question, Motion agreed to, and ordered accordingly.