MUNITIONS BILL

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2505, 5 July 1915, Page 5

MUNITIONS BILL

RECEIVES ROYAL ASSENT WARM DEBATE IN LORDS. BxTelejrapli— Association—Oopyrijit London, July 2. Lord Curzon of Keclleston (Lord Privy Seal), in introducing the Munitions Bill iu the House of Lords, stated that 4.6,000 skilled workers wore enrolled in a week. Wo were nowhere near the fend of the war; many believed we were not even at the middle stage. Tlio enemy's position of vantage -was not dtioi to superior generalship or bravery. By long and patient preparation lie had Secured'a commanding superiority in guns, rifles, and shells. "Wliilo great issues wore undecided it was useless-to concoal the fact that the situation was > one of grave anxiety. Britain's duty was not to discuss tie past, but to make up leeway, following the example of France, which was excellontly provided with munitions. The forces of tho Allies wore waxing, while those of the enemy wore waning. Tho advantages ill men and material before Christmas would be decidedly,, on the side of the Allic-s. , - WAR OFFICE CONDEMNED. (Reo. July 4, 5 p.m.) London, July 3. ; Lord Bryce regretted that the War Office had not more generously used Scientists in this war of science. Lord Parmoor said that one of tho ablest scientists was now serving with the lied Cross. He vainly sought to induce the Government to accept his - services, but received no encouragement. Lord Lorebum said: "Let the country have more information,, and not ■yield to the temptation of 'saying- as littlo as possible about unpleasant things. The enemy knew more of our affairs than we ourselves." ** " Lord Grimthorpo. said what are called Unprecedented features were studied and anticipated by tho Germans, also to some extent by the. French, though, they had no actual experience like our Boer War. The War Office had refused tho offers of business m,cn. with contempt. -It was a- by-word ift tho city that the War Office wanted nothing. Responsible people-had offered rifles, but were told that none were needed. An offer was also rejected of machine-guns and shells. Canada could 1 make-forty thousand shells, and. would eventually make two hundred thousand, but could not get orders. He could not understand why Canadian shells had to be ordered through Morgan's, the Government's American agents. Lord Griintliorpe asked: "Why ,V"or 6 not tlio thousands of tons of spelter in Australia shipped to England because it belonged to the Germans. By allowing cotton into Germany tho war ,would : bo . greatly prolonged." Lord Weardale considered-that Mr. 'Asquith, as head of the last and the present Governments, was tho most responsible person. ' Lord Crewe, in warmly defending Mr. Asquith, added that, he was not cure whether the Government took the correct view in maint-ainiug silence. It was imposed. by military needs, and •that was the solo.reason for withholding information. The War Loaii and Munition's' Bills were passed,'and havo received the . Royal assent. ' . OFFER TO- RELEASE SKILLED LABOUR. X"Times" and Sydney "Sun" Services.) London, July 2. ■Whitley's, Harrod's. Selfridgo's,. and other universal providers have written ' to Mr. Lloyd George jointly offering assistance in-the manufacture of munitions by releasing tho maximum lium- -. bor of skilled., employees ■ and subsequently reinstating them, BRITISH WAR LOANS (FURTHER LARGE SUBSCRIPTIONS. (By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright.) London, July 2. ' The London County Council is ' subscribing £1,132,000 of the War Loan. (Rec.' July 4,- 3 p.m.) , London; July 3. , ~ The Manchester and Liverpool District Bank has subscribed £2,000,000 to the .War Loan. ' 1 • RUSSIAN TREASURY BILLS. (Rec. July 4, 5 p.m.) ",. ■ Petrograd, July 3. f A hundred million sterling of 5 per fient. .Treasury bills are being issued!