HC Deb 25 April 1913 vol 52 c696W
Mr. PIRIE

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if a Bill for the defence of the Union of South Africa has been introduced in that Dominion; and, if so, if he could state the main principles of that measure?

Mr. HARCOURT

An Act to provide for the defence of the Union and for matters incidental thereto was passed last year. It imposes a liability on all citizens between the ages of seventeen and sixty to render personal service in time of war and to undergo a course of peace training. It provides, however, that only a certain proportion shall actually undergo training.