HC Deb 23 December 1915 vol 77 cc595-7
69. Mr. SAMUEL ROBERTS

asked whether full instructions have been given to the local tribunals under Lord Derby's scheme as to their powers and as to the method of procedure in the various classes of cases coming before them?

The UNDER-SECRETARY OF STATE for WAR (Mr. Tennant)

Full instructions have been issued to local tribunals by the Local Government Board.

47. Mr. PRINGLE

asked the Prime Minister whether, under Lord Derby's scheme, special consideration will be given to the position of employers of military age who have made arrangements to pay the salaries of employés already enlisted and whose business will come to an end if they themselves are called upon to enlist?

The PRIME MINISTER (Mr. Asquith)

Yes, Sir.

51. Mr. HOGGE

asked the Prime Minister whether, in appeals for postponement to later groups by single men, it will be possible to consider the contributions already made to the Army or Navy by other single members of the same family, so that one family will not be deprived of all its male members while other families have not made equal contributions?

The PRIME MINISTER

Yes, Sir.

Mr. HOGGE

Do I understand the Prime Minister to say that that will be a consideration that single men can advance to the local tribunals?

The PRIME MINISTER

Yes, it must be.

55. Sir E. CORNWALL

asked the Prime Minister whether the unmarried men who have not yet joined the Army and to whom he is now appealing, and who are precluded from coming under Lord Derby's group scheme will, when they now offer themselves for service, be required to enlist forthwith or be given any time according to age before being called up?

The PRIME MINISTER

The group system is now closed, but men may, of course, still offer themselves for immediate service. We will consider my hon. Friend's suggestion.

Sir E. CORNWALL

Can the conclusion the right hon. Gentleman comes to be made public?

The PRIME MINISTER

Yes.

Sir E. CORNWALL

Before the House resumes?

The PRIME MINISTER

I cannot promise that.