§ Mr. HOUSTONasked the Minister of National Service whether he will urge upon the War Office the need to employ coloured men in the fighting line and so release skilled workmen from the Army for employment in the shipbuilding yards, engine-shops, and mercantile marine; whether he is aware that as there are many coloured men from Africa in the labour battalions in France it has been proved that they can stand the climate; and whether he is aware that many coloured men are anxious to fight for the British flag, but have not been permitted to do so?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONMy hon. Friend has pressed this question on more than one occasion, and I can assure him that the question of the employment of coloured men in the fighting line has received, and is now receiving, the most careful consideration. Every possible use is being made of their services in the various theatres of war.