HC Deb 02 August 1916 vol 85 c288
68. Mr. LOUGH

asked the hon. Secretary whether he is aware that Mr. D. Gillingham, of 36, Charlesworth Street, N., and Mr. W. J. Young, of 32, Richmond Road, Barnsbury, who had been awarded non-combatant service and both of whom had applied for their certificate to be reviewed by the tribunal, were on Saturday brought before the Clerkenwell Police Court, fined, and handed over to the military authorities; and whether, seeing that the tribunal had not decided upon their application for civil work, he will say what steps he proposes to take in the matter?

The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. Herbert Samuel)

My attention has not been previously drawn to this case, but I am advised that an application to have a certificate reviewed does not debar a Court of Summary Jurisdiction before whom a man is charged as an absentee under the Reserve Forces Act from dealing with the charge. I cannot see in the facts stated any sufficient ground for action on my part.

Mr. LOUGH

Are not these men entitled under the Act to get civil employment?

Mr. SAMUEL

That is a matter for the Court to consider.