HC Deb 18 March 1919 vol 113 cc1942-3W
Mr. SIDNEY ROBINSON

asked the President of the Local Government Board if he has received any requests from boards of guardians for contributions towards relieving wives and children of soldier deserters; and, if so, what response does he propose to make and what steps are taken to punish the deserters?

Major ASTOR

My right hon. Friend is receiving a certain number of resolutions on this subject from boards of guardians, and proposes to communicate their effect to the Army Council. The matter is not one in which the Local Government Board could take any direct action. The punishment to be inflicted upon a deserter from the Army is primarily a military matter.