§ 27. Mr. KINGasked the President of the Local Government Board whether he is aware that the Stepney Local Tribunal consists of twenty-five members, of whom four are licensed victuallers; how many applications for exemption made before this tribunal by licensed victuallers have been granted, and for what periods; and how many have been rejected?
§ Mr. HAYES FISHERIt appears that there are two tribunals for Stepney, one for cases under the Military Service Acts, the other for the case of voluntarily attested men. None of the members of the latter tribunal are licensed victuallers, but I am informed that four members out of a total of twenty-five on the former tribunal are licensed victuallers. Some exemption has, I understand, been given in thirty out of thirty-one cases of publicans and publicans' managers dealt with by this tribunal. I have no information as to whether the military representative has appealed in any of these cases. If he thinks the circumstances demand it he will no doubt do so.
§ Mr. KINGIn view of the rather remarkable figures, will inquiry be made and will the military representative himself be asked for a report upon the position?
§ Mr. HAYES FISHERI will consult my right hon. Friend on that point.