ARMY ESTIMATES IN THE BRITISH PARLIAMENT

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2381, 10 February 1915, Page 5

ARMY ESTIMATES IN THE BRITISH PARLIAMENT

GUARDED MINISTERIAL STATEMENT HINT OF A FURTHER CALL FOR MEN By Telegraph—Press 'Association—Copyright (Rec. February 9, 11.5 p.m.) London, February 9. Mr. H. J. Tennant (Under-Secretary for War), in introducing tho nominal Array Estimates, in a guarded statement, said that it would be impolitic to announce the numbers and distribution of the Army. Recruiting was very satisfactory, and there was no cause for discontent, still less disquiet, though .more men were needed, and the War Office might have to make inroads on important industries. ' He appealed to the Labour P.arty to help the Government to enable women to replace the men. During the war trade unionists might adopt a less stringent view with regard to tho. Factory Act regulations, which had already been abrogated at many works. Mr. Tennant, continuing, said that tlie thing above all that the enemy wanted to know was the number of men wlio would be opposing him in tho future. It was possible to make a fair computation in conscription countries, but that was not so easily done under England's happy voluntary principle. He hoped that nobody knowing tho figures would be so irresponsible as to divulge them. Our initial difficulty was to provide sufficient accommodation for the men who flocked to the colours. ■ This difficulty would gradually be overcome. When the numbers of troops who had been brought overseas scathless became known, tho achievement would be regarded as one of the most extraordinary feats of the war. The supply of horses would meet all future requirements. . • Mr. Tennant testified to the efficiency of the medical service, and concluding he said: "Although wo areunablo to forecast what is in front of us, no one in this House is despondent. All are determined that the Allies should dictate the terms of peace. The nation's efforts were worthy of our past. The gallantry of our soldiers, from tho highest to tho lowest, was worthy to rank amongst the most glorious records of any army of any time." British-made aeroplane, engines wore now used in aeroplanes, and were so well mado that they lasted twice as long as any. other. Recruiting for the flying corps had been extraordinary. Sir. Tennant added that Lord Kitchener was considering the granting of a medal to technical workers in armament and other industries. The Prime Minister (Mr. Asquith) stated that the casualties in the Expeditionary Force up to February 4 totalled 104,000. Mr. G. N. BarneSj Labour M.P. for the. Blackfriars division of Glasgow, stated that the actuarial estimates show that the pensions and allowances recommended by the Select Committee would oost £346,000,000. Replying to Mr. W. H. Long (Unionist), Mr. Tennant stated that General Sir lan Hamilton was responsible for the home defence. PRESS BUREAU CRITICISED. , 'K debate followed Mr. J. King's (Liberal) motion condemning the Press Bureau for restricting the freedom of the Press. Mr. King declared that its working caused suspicion aud discontent, and its methods and principles were wholly unintelligible. Sir Stanley Buckmaster (Solicitor-General, and head of the Press Bureau) said that tho motion was based on tho charge that the Press Bureau withhold information. On tho contrary, the Bureau published instantly everything that it had power to publish. Nothing was issued unless tho news was absolutely true. His first duty was to prevent the publication of news that might unduly depress the people, when that news was out of relation to the .true facts. Ho denied that he had iised his, office to shield his colleagues from criticism. Mr. Bonar Law (Unionist Leader) said that it would bo a great advantage if bulletins wero regularly issued, similar to the custom in France. He wondered if the House realised what a tremendous event the battle of Ypres was. "We had bigger losses there than at almost any battle in our. history, in which purely British trpops were engaged, and out of . which they came with great honour. It was time," he concluded, "that tho country knew the details of the battle. The motion wa6 negatived. WAR ESTIMATES VEILED. A Treasury minute points out that it is not desirable, even if it wore possible, to givo details of estimates .of the cost of tho war. One difficulty was the impossibility of forecasting whether the war would end with the current financial year. Also it was not in.the public interest to disclose the nature and extent of the' operations for which financial provision was required. Therefore, in a war where the whole of tho' nation's resources was involved, tho ordinary procedure would be arbitrary and artificial, and tho Government must proceed by votes of credit. The nominal votes now submitted would afford the statutory basis for the appropriations and enable the House of Commons to discuss them. .