§ Mr. Rhys Daviesasked the Under-secretary of State for Dominion Affairs if he has any information as to which countries within the British Empire have imposed military conscription since September, 1939, and where it has since been abandoned and/or it has been decided to abandon it.
§ Mr. ParkerUnder legislation enacted before September, 1939, power existed in the Commonwealth of Australia and in the Union of South Africa to require all men to render military service in time of war. Similar legislative provision was made in Canada and New Zealand after September, 1939. Men have been called up for service under these provisions in Canada, Australia and New Zealand. They are no longer being called up in Canada or New Zealand and it is understood that only boys of 18 are now being called up in the Commonwealth of Australia. Powers were also taken in many other parts of the Empire to call up men for military service, and were used in varying degrees.