§ Mr. SWANasked the Lord Privy Seal the approximate cost to the Exchequer which the Defence Force for the 90 days will be; and if all the cost of maintenance will be out of the National Exchequer or part out of the local rates?
Lieut.-Commander YOUNGAs regards the first part of the question, I would refer to the answer given by me on the 14th instant to the hon. Member for East Edinburgh (Mr. Hogge). The cost of the Defence Force will be borne by the Exchequer.
§ Mr. NEWBOULDasked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the essential public service rendered by those engaged in the retail distribution of food and provisions, he will take steps to exempt from service those Reservists engaged in this work and thus lessen the task of the Government in feeding the people if a general strike should take place?
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANSI would refer the hon. Member to my reply on 14th April to a question on this subject 1539W asked by my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Torquay (Colonel Burn), to which I have nothing to add.