DEFENCE OF BRITAIN

Dominion, Volume 31, Issue 153, 25 March 1938, Page 11

DEFENCE OF BRITAIN

National Registration Plan Urged (British Official Wireless.) Rugby, March 23. A question was addressed to the Prime Minister, Mr. Chamberlain, in the House of Commons whether, iu order to facilitate the immediate mobilisation of the services of the entire nation upon an outbreak of war, it was his intention to introduce the system of universal national registration, Mr. Chamberlain replied: "A scheme of compulsory national registration in war time, if the Government of the day so decides, has been in existence for some years. Proposals for compulsory registration iu peace time nave also been considered, but on balance the advantages to be derived from it have been found to be outweighed by the difficulties.” He was further asked what steps it was proposed to take iu view of the deterioration of the international situation to accelerate Britain’s defence preparation, and whether he intended to create a Ministry of Supply. The Prime Ministry said that a short statement on defence would be made in connection with the foreign policy statement, and added that as he was at present advised he did not consider acceleration would result from the establishment of a Ministry of Supply.