§ 48. Major NEWMANasked whether, by virtue of his election to this House, a Member of military age can claim to be exempt from liability to military service; and, if not, whether, in the event of the present measure of compulsion becoming law, such Members will be automatically enrolled in their respective groups?
§ The PRIME MINISTERMembers of the House of Commons cannot, as such, claim exemption from military service, 1429 and will, therefore, if unmarried, come within the obligations of the present Bill. Whether they will be able to obtain exemption or not will depend on how far they can bring themselves within the exemptions specified in the Bill.
§ Major NEWMANDoes that answer apply to Members of the Upper House as well?
§ The PRIME MINISTEROh, yes.
§ Mr. HOGGEWill the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of raising the age so that many more of us may be allowed the opportunity of joining?
§ The PRIME MINISTERIt does not require a Bill to enable them to join.
§ Mr. KINGMay I ask whether those Members who are most active and attentive to their duties are likely to get more readily exempted by the tribunals?
§ The PRIME MINISTERIt depends on the decision to which the tribunal may come.