HC Deb 24 February 1916 vol 80 cc796-7
72. Mr. HAYDN JONES

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether men who attested and were rejected since the 14th August last, but who were not supplied with a certificate of rejection although marked in the register as medically unfit, are now being called upon to undergo a further medical examination; and whether such action is contemplated by the provisions of the Military Service Act, 1916?

Mr. TENNANT

A man who has offered himself for enlistment and has been rejected since the 14th August, 1915, is excepted from the operation of the Military Service Act, but obviously to claim that exception he must prove that he comes within the description. If a man has no properly authorised certificate of rejection, it is difficult to see how he can prove that he has offered himself and has been rejected. If he has no evidence to support his statement he must be considered prima facie as subject to the provisions of the Act.

Mr. WHITEHOUSE

Was the certificate of rejection given to all applicants for attestment who were, as a matter of fact, rejected?

Mr. TENNANT

No, Sir, a certificate was not given in all cases, but in many cases something was given which he could show.

Mr. WHITEHOUSE

If there are a number of cases where the applicant was rejected, but where no certificate of rejection was given, will it not be necessary for the War Office to take other evidence than the certificate of rejection?

Mr. TENNANT

He must have something to show, and some evidence to show that he has been rejected.

Mr. JONATHAN SAMUEL

rose—

Mr. SPEAKER

I would point out that there is a large number of questions on the Paper.

76. Mr. PRINGLE

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he has issued instructions to recruiting officers in which he has corrected the answer given by him to the hon. Member for Derby on 27th January; on what date the new instructions were issued; and whether he will state the terms of the correction contained in these instructions?

Mr. TENNANT

In my correspondence with my right hon. and learned Friend the Member for Walthamstow I made the necessary correction. Detailed instructions were not issued at that time, but I am causing instructions to be sent out at once. A communiqué to the Press was issued yesterday.

Sir A. MARKHAM

Will the Prime Minister take steps to see that my right hon. Friend is not always made the butt of the divergent views of Ministers? It is very unfair to him.