WAR SERVICE IN AUSTRALIA

Southland Times, Issue 24592, 14 November 1941, Page 5

WAR SERVICE IN AUSTRALIA

CONSCRIPTION URGED

CANBERRA, November 13.

During the Budget debate in the House of Representatives three Opposition members, Major-General G. JRankin, Mr G. J. Bell and Mr E. J. Harrison, referred to conscription and said that more vigorous action would be necessary if Australia was to have a full war effort.

Major-General Rankin, who is in the Australian Military Forces, said the Australian home forces were still illequipped. The Australian Imperial Force had first claim on the output of Australian war supplies, but after the Australian Imperial Force wants had been filled those of the Australian and New Zealand home forces should be considered before the claims of any ether country.

Conscription of all man power was advocated by Major-General Rankin, who said: “Only by conscription of every man and every thing throughout the country can we ever’ get a decent war effort.” RESERVED OCCUPATIONS Mr Bell said that every man who desired to serve with the forces, no matter what his occupation was, should be allowed to go to the war. About onethird of the call-up of universal trainees had been exempted. The list of reserved occupations was too big. There was an uproar from the Government benches when Mr Harrison said: “If this Government is prepared to bring in compulsory service and is prepared to face up to its obligations the same as the New Zealand Government it will get results.” The Federal Cabinet has decided to recall to Australia “for consultation” Sir Bertram Stevens, the Australian representative on the Eastern Supply Council at Delhi. The Cabinet has also decided to ask the Minister of Supply, Mr J. A. Beasley, to obtain a report on the operations of the council. There js an impression in Canberra that Sir Bertram Stevens may remain in Australia. Some Labour members regard his appointment to Delhi as having been political.