MAN POWER.

Bay of Plenty Times, Volume XLVI, Issue 6965, 21 January 1918, Page 3

MAN POWER.

HOUSE OF COMMONS HOLDS SECRET SESSION.

Member States that - 450,000 Men are Inadequate

Australian and N Z Cable Assoc Kec Jan 20, 5 5 p m London, Jao 18 ' A secret session of the House of Commons arose with dramatic suddenness as the result of Mr J M Hogge, Liberal Member for ttJinburgh East, stating that ho had learnt of certain facts, at a private conference, showing that the proposed 450,000 men are inadequate to meet the military situatiOD. Mr Hogge said : "The Government -has not given an adequate statement regarding the war. I know the facts, though I can aofc state them. If the' conditions of the -war are as stated the man-power prospects are absurd and a mere ieabite and will not meet the situation. It is fooling the House and the publig to suggest that this man-power is going to bring them nearer victory. Let the War Minister telt the House about America : What help America can give and when she can giva it Let him tell how England 18 being bled of men, materials and money in order to maiatain a position in the war which ia the autumn may 'find us no nearer victory." Cries of dissent and "hold an enquiry." Mr Hogge said : "1 do not mean that the Germans can break the line." A/secret session then followed.