§ 49. Major NEWMANasked the Prime Minister whether representations have been made by the military authorities to the Minister of Munitions and heads of other Government Departments as to the number of single eligible men whom they have provided with badges of exemption but who are engaged in work which could be undertaken by men above military age or by women; and whether, in view of the necessity for every fit and eligible man being with the Colours, he proposes to intervene in the matter?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI am not sure whether the hon. Member refers to the issue of war service badges or to the issue of certificates of exemption by Government Departments under Section 2 (2) of the Military Service Act.
As regards the former, the Ministry of Munitions is now the sole authority responsible for the issue of badges. Every care is taken to prevent the issue of badges to men who cannot properly be regarded as indispensable, and the arrangements between the Department and the War Office provide for appeal by the military authorities in any case in which it appears that a man has been improperly badged or that it is no longer necessary to retain him in civil employment.
As regards the latter, the certificates can only be issued after consultation between the Government Department concerned and the Army Council.