VOLUNTARY PLAN

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLV, Issue 21210, 3 December 1938, Page 11

VOLUNTARY PLAN

BRITISH NATIONAL REGISTER Harnessing Civilian Service Compulsion Not Desired Appeal For Recruits British Official Wireless RUGBY, December 1. The eagerly awaited statement by Sir John Anderson, Minister in Charge of Civic Defence, on the measures which the Government had decided to adopt to ensure that man-power and women-power are organised in the most effective and practical way for voluntary service, was made in the House of Commons. Sir John Anderson intimated that he hoped to make a similarly comprehensive statement soon on other aspects of the responsibilities with which he had been charged, namely, civic defence. Dealing with the National Register, Sir John Anderson said that the Government had come uO the conclusion that a compulsory register was not at present necessary, nor desirable, though it might become necessary, and for that reason, and so that it could be speedily compiled, he was taking steps to prepare the necessary machinery for the purpose. But the Government was satisfied, however, that ail the immediate needs of the could best be met by a voluntary register. It was essential as a preliminary, however, that all who wished to serve the country should know how best their services could bo utilised. It was, therefore, proposed

to publish a handbook cortalning particulars of all the services for which volunteers were required, and Indicating the types of men and women suitable for each, together with a list cf the key occupations in which individuals could best serve the State In a time of emergency by remaining at the work for which thej’ had been trained. Much Preliminary Work Regarding this list the Ministry of Labour had already done much preliminary work in classifying occupation, but before settling the final details there would be consultation with representatives from both sides of 'idustry. In addition to this publicity, and as a preparation for a co-ordinat-ed recruiting campaign for all the various services for which volunteers were required, which it was hoped to launch early in the year, he was establishing a National Service Organisation with local committees throughout the country, which would g've full information and guidance to individuals in deciding where their duty lay Sir John Anderson made it clear that it was intended to provide that persons volunteering for certain classes of civilian service should be invited to undertake more definite obligations than had been expected hitherto. The Minister stated that his aim was to enrol sufficient numbers of recruits to bring each of the various services up to their estimated luirements, and to obtain for each service an adequate number of reserves. He also intimated that no special legislation would be required in connection with the proposals. WAR NOT INEVITABIY

SHARP REPLY BY PRIME MINISTER y United Press Association—By Elec trie Telegraph—Copyright (Received December 2, 11.25 pan.) LONDON, December 2. After Sir John Anderson sat down, Mr G. Lansbury (Labour) jumped up and exclaimed: “Do all these gigantic preparations mean that the Government’s view is that war is inevitable?” Mr Chamberlain replied sharply: “Certainly not” “DEEDS AS WELL AS WORDS” SCHEME WELCOMED BY PRESS United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright (Received December 2, 6.30 p.m.) LONDON, December 1. “The News-Chronicle,” commenting on Sir John Anderson’s statement welcomes the voluntary scheme and hopes that the agitation for compulsion will now be dropped. It declares that the scheme Is good but must be accompanied by more inspired appeals than have yet been heard. It adds: “Let the Government show by deeds as well as words that it Intends to uphold democracy at home and abroad and the Register will soon be filled.'’ “The Daily Mail” states that after skilfully arranginging for a voluntary register and a compulsory emergency register, Sir John Anderson should satisfy both those who support the voluntary and compulsory systems. “The Daily Herald” does not comment.