§ Sir J. HARMOOD-BANNERasked the Secretary of State for War if Germany is calling up her recruits in all neutral countries and has arranged for the medical examination of these recruits in all neutral countries; if British Consuls in all neutral countries have been notified to report all sailings of neutral steamers conveying German recruits to European and American ports so that steps may be taken by the Admiralty to intercept all steamers conveying German recruits; if he can state the estimated numbers of British subjects in each neutral country and the numbers of British men who have joined the Army and Navy from each neutral country; if he can state whether the Derby scheme has been voluntarily put into force in any neutral country; and, if not, whether he will recommend that this should be done at once?
§ Mr. FORSTERThe first part of this question would, I think, more properly be addressed to the Foreign Office, and the second part, as regards the intercepting of steamers, is, I think, a matter for the Admiralty. The Derby scheme has not been put into force in any neutral country, because it would be a breach of neutrality on the part of the State which allowed it. Without saying more on this matter, I may assure my hon. Friend that it is receiving all proper attention.