§ 111. Mr. THOMASasked the President of the Local Government Board whether he has received protests from various important labour bodies in Liverpool which were ignored altogether by the city council in the appointment of the local tribunal under the Military Service Act, 1916; and what action he proposes to take to ensure that organised labour in such an important district as Liverpool is given its rightful representation on the tribunals?
§ Mr. LONGI have received representations from some labour bodies in Liverpool, and am in communication with the city council on the subject.
§ 112. Mr. THOMASasked the President of the Local Government Board whether he is aware that some difficulty is being experienced by persons appearing on behalf of appellants before the tribunals under the Military Service Act, 1916; that a case of this kind occurred at Plymouth on Tuesday, the 22nd instant; and, in view of this, whether he will draw the attention of tribunals to Clause 18 of his circular, which provides for another person being eligible to appear on behalf of an appellant?
§ Mr. LONGOn present information I do not think it is necessary to take action in the direction suggested by my hon. Friend. I am making inquiries in the case to which he refers.
§ Mr. THOMASIs the right hon. Gentleman not aware that he definitely promised that a representative should appear for men if it was thought desirable; in this case it was a trade union secretary that was refused?
§ Mr. LONGI am making inquiries in the case. I am not unaware of the fact to which the hon. Member calls attention. Instructions were given to the tribunals, who ought to act upon them.