§ 100. Mr. MORRELLasked the President of the Local Government Board whether, in issuing his instructions to the Central Appeal Tribunal on 23rd February as to the position of the only son of a widow under the Military Service Act, 1916, he took into account the statement made by the Prime Minister on 5th January that it would be a monstrous thing if the State were to call for military service from a man in that position, and that such a man is as much entitled to exemption as any man in the Empire; whether he is aware that numerous cases are occurring of the calling up of widows' sons which appear to be a direct breach of the assurances given by the Prime Minister and by himself on this subject; and whether, having regard to the doubt and uncertainty that still exist on the subject, he will issue further and simpler instructions to local tribunals to the effect that unless it is clear that no serious hardship will be caused by the calling up of the only son or the only remaining son of a widow such a man ought at once to be exempted?
§ Mr. LONGI do not think that the sentence in the Prime Minister's speech, to which the hon. Member refers, when read with the context, bears the interpretation which he appears to give to it; I suggest that he should read the whole passage. I think that the letter which I sent to the Central Appeal Tribunal, on the 23rd ultimo, carries out the assurances given in the House, and it does not appear to me necessary at the moment to issue further directions.
Mr. EDMUND HARVEYHas a letter on this question also been sent to the local tribunals dealing with this problem?