§ 76. Major NEWMANasked the President of the Local Government Board whether ten employés of a firm engaged on Government work, and all without dependants and under thirty-five years of age, had recently their badges taken from them; whether their employer has applied to the local tribunal for exemption on the grounds that he cannot otherwise complete his contract and will suffer penalties in consequence; and whether the decision in such a case should be on the Badging Committee and not on the local tribunal?
§ Mr. HAYES FISHERMy right hon. Friend is not aware of the case to which reference is made. It is open to an employer to make representations to the War Badge Department of the Ministry 840 of Munitions as regards the withdrawal of badges. An employer may apply to a local tribunal for the exemption of men, including those from whom war badges have been withdrawn; and, if an application is made, the decision rests with the local tribunal, subject to the right of appeal.
§ Major NEWMANDoes the right hon. Gentleman consider this as a fair decision to ask the tribunal to make? Surely it is a matter for the War Office.
§ Mr. HAYES FISHEROf course, it is a fair decision.