§ 76. Sir A. MARKHAMasked the President of the Local Government Board whether a Reservist called to the Colours on the outbreak of war, who has now been discharged from the Army, and whose principal and usual occupation prior to the War was that of a coal miner employed underground, is liable to be again recalled for military service if, after his discharge from the Army, he returned to the occupation of a miner underground and is now engaged in this same occupation; and will he say what steps a miner who comes under this category should take when he receives notice to rejoin the Army, seeing that all underground miners are exempt?
§ Mr. HAYES FISHERUnder Section 3 (1) of the last Military Service Act men of military age who have been discharged from naval or military service on the termination of their period of service become liable to serve again. Applications for exemption can be made in respect of these men as well as other men. In the case of miners the application should be made to the Colliery Recruiting Court.
§ Sir A. MARKHAMCan the right hon. Gentleman say what is the meaning of his answer when he says, "Applications for exemption can be made in respect of these men as well as other men?" Do they start in the same position as other men 531 when they come before the tribunal, and were they prejudiced in any way because they have been in the Reserve?
§ Mr. HAYES FISHERCertainly they are not prejudiced. We are now in communication with the Home Office, and a further communication will be sent.