WAR MATTERS IN THE HOUSE OF COMMONS

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2721, 16 March 1916, Page 5

WAR MATTERS IN THE HOUSE OF COMMONS

TROUBLE FOR THE GOVERNMENT

FEELING REGARDING THE DANGERS OF

AIR-RAIDS

By Telegraph—Press Association— Copyright

London, March 14. ' In view of the introduction of tho Army Estimates, and in expectation of Sir E. Grey's statement regarding the entry of Portugal into tho war, tho House of Commons was crowded. ~ ~ , Questions to Ministers revealed considerable feeling regarding the workin* of the Military Service Act, and the dangers of air raids. This was emphasised by the introduction of Mr. Pemberton-Billmg (tho aviator), who, amid cheers, took his seat as member for East Harts. There were somo 01 '° The lwssitnlity of trouble ahead of the' Coalition Government is suggested bv the announcement that Mr. Gibson-Bowles is contesting the Market Harboroueh by-election on behalf of tho married men, who are protesting against being called up before the single men employed m the reserved trades. Replying to Sir J. Walton, Mr. H. J. Tennant (Lnder-Secretary for War) said conscientious objectors, would be organised 1 for the relief of combatants. These objectors were not wanting in physical courage, and an opportunity ot winning the hero's crown should'not be denied them.

REASON OF PORTUGAL'S ENTRY INTO THE WAR

STATEMENT BY SIR EDWARD GREY

(Rec. March 15, 9.20 p.m.) / London, March 14. Sir Edward Grey (Foreign Minister), in his statement regarding Portugal's entry into the war, said that if Portugal, who was entirely neutral! was without an alliance with any combatant lier action would have been completely justified. As the war had caused a rapid decrease' in tonnage, it was the duty of Portugal to use all the available ships in her harbours. This was Portugal's view, and it wa:s also the view urged upon her by the British Government. Portugal's action injured no third party, as sETe promised payment of compensation, but Germany saw fit to declare war, thus altering the whole position as regards compensation. Since Portugal was compelled to range lrerself on the side of the Allies, she may rest assured thut all assistance would be given her. . <

THE AIR DEFENCES OF GREAT BRITAIN

DETAILED STATEMENT BY THE UNDER-SECRETARY

FOR WAR

(Rec. March 15, 9.20 p.m.)

- London, March 14., Mr. H. J. Tennant, in introducing the Army Estimates, gave a detailed statement of the system of air* defences, and said that the schle of defences agreed upon for London would be applied to the wholo country. AVe were always handicapped as compared with Germany and France, owing to the lack of engines but the high-powered engines of British manufacture wero now coming forward and would produce a marked improvement. Ho i said the provision for aeroplanes was ahead of_ the supply of engines and pilots we were now producing monthly. Many pilots were mobilised at'the commencement of the war ancf oven these would be largely increased in the near future. The War Office had concentrated on the of pilots, and was now reaping the reward. A school for anti-aeroplane training lias been opened at Sbeetness, and landing-places with lights provided for aeroplanes flying at night-time. Requirements of the Army Fully Mat. Ho read the following message from Sir Douglas Haig:—"The requirements of food, forage, clothing, equipment, and transport have been mot from the outset with unfailing regularity, While the quality and quantity of supplies left nothing to bo desired. The forces had been increased from two corps to a lave army, but the provision for the Army's well-being, either in sickness 01 in health, continues to bo all that could bo wished. As a result of the strcmimis labours devoted to increasing' and maintaining the Army, all are in good heart and confident of victory." v. War Office Conserving Men as Much as Possible. 1 "Ifcontinued Mr. 'Pennant, "this is a war of attrition, especially a war of attrition of men, the War Office is trying to conserve the men as much as possible. Millions were enrolled in the four days of the filial wave of enthusiasm for the Derby scheme. The Government is taking energetic- steps to carry out the pledge that unmarried nion should go to the colours before mar* cM man, W« urn" Mvlstou Mm lists « ttjsstve acuupatloiis, and hope to reduce to a minimum the single men of military ace and phjeicme whom it ifi

necessary to keep at homo. The Government is very much alive to the importance of the question, and. is not going to let the_ married men down. "Instead of granting commissions first and then training the officers after- 1 wards, the War Office is now selecting men from the ranks, transferring them to cadet units for four months' training, and, if efficient, they are then I given commissions." . . Speech by Mr. Pemberton-Billing. Mr. Pemberton-Billing (East Herts) advocated an aggressive air policy. Mr. Balfour, he said, should order all existing material to be employed m raidi ing. the enemy country. Wo could exterminate the Zeppelins. The debate was adjourned.