HC Deb 12 July 1916 vol 84 cc313-4
30. Mr. P. MEEHAN

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that Private Michael M'Loughlin, No. 22691, Dublin Fusiliers, 3rd battalion, will not attain the age of sixteen years until the 1st December next; if he is aware that the boy's birth certificate was forwarded to his commanding officer last January; whether M'Loughlin is now in France or on his way thereto; and whether this boy will be forthwith discharged from the Army?

Mr. FORSTER

I am not aware whether the facts as stated are correct; but inquiries will be made, and if the statement of Private M'Loughlin's age is found to be correct he will be forthwith discharged from the Army.

80. Mr. WATT

asked the Minister of Munitions whether he has any complaints from Scotland, and in particular from Argyleshire, as to the members of tribunals moving for and influencing exemption for their own tenants so that such members of tribunals may be ensured their rents during the currency of the War; and, if so, will he circularise tribunals that men with pecuniary interests in the cases ought not to sit on them while these cases are being tried?

The LORD ADVOCATE (Mr. Munro)

The answer to the first portion of the question is in the negative. As regards the second portion, the regulations and instructions under which the tribunals work provide that a member shall not take part in the consideration of or vote upon any question relating to an application in the decision of which he is personally interested. This being so, further instructions would only be redundant.

Mr. PRINGLE

Is my right hon. Friend not aware that in one case a tradesman who was a tenant of one of the members of the tribunal was exempted, whilst a competitor in business, who had been much longer in business, was sent into the Army?

Mr. MUNRO

I am not aware of that, but if my hon. and learned Friend will give me particulars I will inquire.

Mr. WATT

Is my right hon. Friend aware of the fact that lawyers and factors on tribunals speak for their servants and their clinets?

Mr. MUNRO

No, I am not aware of that, but if my hon. and learned Friend will follow the example of my other hon. and learned Friend I will inquire.